NASHVILLE
Deep Fried everything!!
I took the photo shown here at the Dave Macon Days fair in
Murfreesboro, TN.
Settling into our new home in Nashville has been fun. It's a big
change from our close little community of Stinson Beach. For a
start, there's no fog - Nashville is steaming hot! Frogs live in our
pool, there are bugs the size and colours I've never seen before and
the garden grows like crazy.

Everyone is a musician or songwriter, or used to be.... I'm keen to
meet a guitar player with whom I can tour this part of the country.
Yes, big shoes to fill!
It was a big thrill to be in the audience during Charlie Louvin's
new "Ira" video release at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Charlie
sang a few with his band and made us all laugh with his stories. It
was moving to witness the great esteem and respect in which he is
held.

Melinda Schneider is in town co-writing songs for her next album.
It's been fun hanging out with her and speaking Australian. Can you
imagine the Southern Strine I'll develop after a few years here?!

Melinda performed at the Bluebird Cafe in-the-round with some of her
co-writers. She's been nominated for an Americana Music Assn. Best
Song award for her co-write "It Takes Balls To Be A Woman" with
Elizabeth Cook.

Sunny Sweeney, who recorded my song "Next Big Nothing" has been
nominated in the same AMA awards for Best New Artist. Sunny will be
touring Australia in Jan 08.

We went to hear Catherine Britt play a 30 minute showcase set in
Nashville, as she pursues a new label deal. Her 7 piece band rocked
hard and managed to drown out her voice. She's a long way from the
trad country influences of her past, delivering a straight out
rock/country set. Boy, she sure can sing!

VIRGINIA and beyond!

My first show in Virginia is a Country
Jamboree at the Halifax County Fairgrounds in South Boston. The
Jimmy Glass Band is also on the bill and he's pure country.
I love exploring these new regions of America. It's a beautiful
country.

Here's a pic from a recent Birmingham, Alabama house concert. This
region is very pretty but the locals prefer it kept a secret so they
don't get built out. Thanks Small Stages for an excellent evening.
Nothing beats playing for a tuned in audience who're not backward
about coming forward.

I'm looking forward to some California
shows later in August. After another Bread & Roses writing workshop
in San Quentin I'll be getting up waaay too early in order to hang
out with Sleepy John in Santa Cruz on KZSC 8/17. He's a fun way to
start the day.
Friday night I'm joined by Nina Gerber (I miss you girl!) and Kenny
Edwards (original Stony Pony!) in Sebastopol. Good music, good
people and good food - what lucky buggers we are!

Saturday night I'm playing a house concert at Tom Montgomery's in
Berkeley. Tom's helped me out a lot with getting established in
California. Details for the show are shown in the Tour Dates column.

GOOD NEWS FROM HOMECheck out Kasey Chambers' website for her news and a pic of
her new son, Arlo! Her weekly gig with the Lost Dogs continues at
the Avoca pub with great guests each week and the best band in
Australia!
Kasey's site

Charlie Louvin at the recent AMA
Nominations party in Nashville.
Mez and I bought a home here and moved in early June.
We're very happy playing house.

It was an honor to meet Charlie Louvin there.
His latest album has a song 'Ira' dedicated to his late brother.
Charlie played at Bonarroo recently, one of the biggest festivals in
the US.

'BREAD & ROSES' song - NOW AVAILABLE

BREAD & ROSES' by
Audrey Auld Mezera

In October 2006 Audrey Auld
Mezera wrote a song, 'Bread & Roses', prior to her first
visit to San Quentin Prison. The song struck a chord with
the inmates, some admitting to being moved to tears.

The song, "Bread & Roses" is now available for sale as a
digital file.
Cost is US$3.00 with 50% of proceeds benefitting the Bread
and Roses organization.

Bread & Roses relies on foundations, corporations,
individual donors and fundraising events to support their
mission.

Thanks to the efforts of the Bread and Roses organization,
Audrey now hosts regular songwriting workshops with San
Quentin inmates (photo by Peter Merts). Nina Gerber and
Audrey continue to perform at various institutions for the
Bread and Roses organization.

For customers - be sure to select "Email Digital File" under
Shipping Method in order to avoid a shipping charge.

How to Purchase the 'Bread & Roses' song
-------ABOUT BREAD AND ROSESDerived from a poem written by James Oppenheim in
1912, the name Bread & Roses refers to a textile strike in
Massachusetts, where over 10,000 women and children marched
against brutal working conditions, long hours, and
insufficient wages. Inspired by the poem, Mimi Fariña
selected the name to convey the spirit of the agency she
founded in 1974 to bring music and other live art to
institutionalized children, teens, adults, and elders. Bread
& Roses is unique. There is no other organization that does
what they do, has done it as long as they have, and is as
effective at caring for such a broad base of performing arts
volunteers and client institutions. They bring the healing
power of music to those hidden from society.

If I could bring you anything
I'd bring a banquet for a king
Cheese and wine and fruit and pies
A taste of everything
I'd have baked you a cake
But the hacksaw didn't fit the pan
I'd bring more than I can hold
With these two hands

If I could bring you anything
I'd bring a meadow full of flowers
Hummingbirds and dragonflies
No fences for miles
You'd lay on the grass
And feel the sun kiss your face
I'd bring the open sky
Erase time and place

If I could bring you anything
It would be peace of mind
An ocean of serenity
Freedom inside
I'd bring love to the lonely
Afraid to ever love again
And beer for the innocent
To drown their sorrows in

If I could bring you anything
It would be Jesus Christ
Buddha, Mohammed
Whatever gets you through the life
Good whiskey for those
Who don't believe any more
And pot for those who need
To think on it some more

But all I could bring
Was my guitar and these songs
Bread and roses for the wayward
Been hungry so long
I'll take with me the memory
Of the day my life was changed
And hope when you leave this place
You never come back again

If I could bring you anything

'

AMERICANA MUSIC ASSN.
NOMINATIONS"Lost Men and Angry Girls" is eligible to be nominated for
the upcoming AMA awards. If you are a member of the AMA, you have
already received your invitation to nominate and your nomination
could look like this!!

1. Album of the Year
LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS
2. Song of the Year (presented to the songwriter)
LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE - AUDREY AULD MEZERA
3. Artist of the Year
AUDREY AULD MEZERA
4. Instrumentalist of the Year
NINA GERBER
5. New/Emerging Artist of the Year
AUDREY AULD MEZERA

(OK, OK it's pushy I know but I'm my own label boss so who else is
gonna ask you?)

Two weeks in Texas is never enough, but
better than not at all. Like the Northern Territory there's
something about Texas that gets in your blood. I happily returned
to Luckenbach for a really fun show with Tina Wilkins and Susan
Gibson (writer of "Wide Open Spaces") both wonderful singers and
entertainers. The private house concert (read "backyard stage and
ampitheatre") that brought me to Austin was awesome. These music
fans have created the best acoustic music venue in Austin in their
own backyard!! Cheers to such passionate entrepreneurs.
Austin certainly felt like a big city this time around, with more
and more highways and high-rises. But what remains is the same
down-home friendliness that'll get you a new friend every time you
visit the place.
I'm sure if you spend enough time on Hwy 71 in the Texas Hill
Country you'll have a "Willie" moment... well I had mine, but I'll
tell you about it at a show when next we meet... For a laugh, read
this article re Willie's latest close encounter with the law:
www.pugbus.net/artman/publish/04257002_11_freewillie.shtml

NEW MUSIC I COLLECTED IN MY TRAVELS: Guy Forsyth "Unrepentant Schizophrenic Americana" - an
excellent double live CD
Sam Baker "Pretty World" (due out on Reckless in August!)
Darcie Deaville "Living on the Lucky Side" - there's more to
Darcie than a sawing fiddle.
Susan Gibson "Outer Space" - this is not a new release but I love
her voice and writing, plus you get to hear the original version
of "Wide Open Spaces".
From Australia: One of my favorite guitar players, Peter Baylor,
has a new CD "I Hear The Road" - described as "Hillbillly Bop
Combo with vocals". Peter's the real deal.

(photo above by Ron Baker taken at Threadgill's).

BY THE WAY...
* THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me in the CMT video
competition. Yes, the boy in the pick-up truck beat me out but
your dedication at the mouse is very touching. Heaps of people
have checked out the video on YouTube with the best comment being
"country is for druggies, druggies are poor, quit trying to get
rich off druggies."
Mmmmmm.... so many responses, so little time.....

* Mez and I are moving to Nashville later this month. We've bought
our first home in a quiet East Nashville neighbourhood (well,
it'll be quiet till the hollerin' hubby, dawgs and chooks move
in!). We're looking forward to a new chapter living in a music
town.

* Recently you should have a received an email requesting that you
'Confirm' receipt of this newsletter. Please 'Confirm' if you'd
like to continue receiving News and Tour Updates as after this May
Newsletter only Confirmed email addresses will continue to be on
the list.

"A sharp-eyed storyteller... She also can flash some sly social
satire or a powerful sense of moral indignation, all the while
sounding like your good friend" ~ M Berick, No Depression, USA

"...her strongest album yet. It all still comes down to the songs
and Audrey's new maturity and confidence is to the fore" ~ Keith
Glass

"This is Mezera's most solid, cohesive collection of songs yet." ~
Bill Frater, Freight Train Boogie.com "one of Australia's best country
singer-songwriters.
This latest effort should help solidify her reputation on this
side of the planet."
**** ~ Mike Regenstreif, the Montreal Gazette

Here's a pic taken at the Central Coast
Country Music Festival, NSW, Austalia (thanks Val & Pete!)
Bill and Kasey Chambers have much to smile about as both are
expecting new members to the family. Kasey and husband Shane are
due in July, and Bill and girlfriend Kate expect their child in
September.

Recently Bill's been touring Australia as a guest guitar player
with Fred Eaglesmith's band.

After Billy Joe Shaver left a bar in
Lorena, Texas on Saturday night he was followed into the parking
lot by a stranger. It was 8.30pm, about 80 miles north of Austin
and 15 miles from Waco, Billy's home town.
The stranger was drunk and aggressive and he was brandishing a
knife. So, in self-defence - Billy Joe shot him in the cheek. The
attacker was OK after the shooting - talking and alert, and
hospitalized.

Billy Joe tried to turn himself in on Monday night but wasn't
arrested because the cops didn't have a record of an arrest
warrant. He has since been charged with aggravated assault and
possessing a firearm in a prohibited place.

Billy Joe showed up to play an in-store set at Waterloo Records on
Tuesday after he was released.

It's been a long, hard, eventful road for Billy Joe Shaver. His
musical gifts to the world are numerous and treasured. Exiting
this world by knife-blade in the parking lot just isn't fitting...

VOTE FOR AUDREY!
'I'd Leave Me Too' video in
CMT's Music City Madness competition
The video is the debut production of Cori Hopper and Worm Werchon,
with random styling tips from Kasey Chambers. It's set in Woy Woy
Bay, NSW, my old stomping ground. The 'love interest' is Mick
Albeck, the most excellent fiddle player who plays on many of my
albums. The heartache was real, the budget was low, and the
streets of Woy Woy really are filled with furniture!

You can vote as many times as you like!
Please forward this to your friends!
SEE LINK BELOW FOR HOW TO VOTE
In the spirit of 'American Idol gets more voters than a U.S.
presidential election'...

My video for 'I'd Leave Me Too' has been selected amongst 64 out
of 600 entries in the CMT Music City Madness video competition for
unsigned artists.
You can help me win by voting, EVERY DAY, ALL DAY, for my video!
Vote as many times as you like! Give up your job, and vote for
Audrey!!!

You don't need to vote for every entry. My name is listed towards
the bottom of the left column. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS - then close
the blue box in order to vote. Use the Zoom slider to read the
text. Persevere... I'm worth it!
The nationwide talent search offers unsigned artists a chance to
reveal original, unpublished music to fans across the country. The
winning entrant will receive an all-expenses paid trip to CMT’s
Nashville studio to record an episode of STUDIO 330 SESSIONS, CMT
Loaded’s original online performance series.
Fans can narrow down the top 64 entrants in a single elimination
competition online over the next two weeks.
On Tuesday, February 27, the brackets will narrow and only 32
contenders will be left to battle for votes. New brackets will be
posted weekly afterwards, until the winner is announced on
Tuesday, April 3.
Click here to Vote...

I wrote this song, then a month or so
later it snowed in December in Australia (that's Summer time!)PRIMAL AGEThere's a primal age coming on
A wave of change and it's strong
The rooster is crowing
It's summer and it's snowing
There's a primal age coming on

The alter of the earth has been defiled
Motherless baby, desecrated child
We hope and pray and cry
As the stakes grow higher
The alter of the earth has been defiled

Give up the gas and walk the extra mile
Turn to your opposer and face him with a smile
It's Peaceville or bust
In love we trust
Give up the gas and walk the extra mile

Dust and diamonds glitter just the same
We're all pink on the inside
And our tears could float a whale
Turn out the light, it's a cool world at night
Dust and diamonds glitter just the same

Turn out the lights
Let the world cool at night
There's a primal age coming on

Returning to San Quentin Prison for a
song-writing workshop was a fruitful and rewarding experience. I had
2.5 hours with about 15 guys and we talked, laughed and sung
throughout.

I started out with a stream-of-consciousness writing exercise, to
help get ideas flowing and explore the inner world. For a few
inmates this was quite difficult but others jumped right in to
writing verse immediately. I was fortunate to read their writing and
discovered some lines that were pure gems. I pointed out that they
are in a perfect situation for writing – much free time for
self-evaluation, self- expression and a wealth of hardship to draw
on. Hey, it’s cheaper and more fun than a therapist! The gems of
suffering shall be our delight.

The guys had many questions about music and singing, and we finished
the evening listening to their songs. For some it was their debut
performance, voices low and life gone wrong.

"We are living in these woods, we’re lined up just like trees
And we fall where we once stood, so deep where no one sees
But we’re calling out – Won’t you listen please!

We are living in these woods, surrounded by a wall
Some are growing, doing good, but you can’t hear our call
And we’re getting older – Yeah, it’s nearly fall

There are people walking proudly
There are brothers singing loudly
There are sons of mothers standing strong
Men are dying, some decaying
Some are crying, some are praying
We’ve been living in these woods too long

We are living in these woods, the days can be real dark
With trees from many neighbourhoods, with different colored bark
But we’ve all grown here, and we leave our mark"

Some inmates are allowed to borrow guitars
or a keyboard to play in their cells. Every Saturday night between
6pm – 9pm the band gets together and rocks out!

I felt very comfortable amongst the inmates, and hope to continue
this work.

“Thanks so much again for the great contribution you made to Bread
and Roses and to our friends in San Quentin last week. You were well
prepared and creative and engaging and encouraging and funny! The
guys were really floating afterwards. You gave them a rare
opportunity to open up and express the creativity within. You're a
valuable addition to the Bread and Roses family.” K. Huget, Bread
and Roses

I just had to share with you this great
photo of Mary Gauthier and Bill Chambers, taken by Lisa Sharpe at
the Harvest Festival, Victoria, Australia. Mary fell in love with
Melbourne, and wonders why I ever left Australia! (the 'hairy
magnet' I explained...) Mary was a huge hit during her first visit
to Australia. She heads back into the studio in March to record a
new album

TRACKLISTBOLINASThe Summer of Love continues in this little town on the wrong side
of the crack (San Andreas fault line). There is no road-sign to Bolinas as the locals always tear it down.
The Indians used to advise against living there as it led to
craziness. Now, it’s neon peace signs, Zen surfers, “Homeless” as a
fashion statement, restraining orders are de rigeur, wealth,
poverty, pot as currency and organic food. “Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town...

MORPHINEThe original hand-written lyrics to this song reside in a private
collection in Austin, TX. Written in lead pencil on grey paper
bearing the letter-head - Oklahoma Rehabilitation & Industrial
Estate.Signed by Bonnie Lamb AKA Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie & Clyde), this is
the first recording of her song. Bonnie notes that the lyrics are to be sung to the tune of “M-O-T-
H-E-R”, from the 1930’s.

LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLEAfter reading a “Missing Person” poster in a Texas truck- stop, this
song haunted Audrey until the song was complete. Sadly, these
stories are often left unresolved and untold.

BUCK HUNGRY (with Bill Chambers)There’s a buck to be made any which way these days, but the 3rd
verse (the true story of a most valuable exchange) involved no money
at all!

LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACHThe smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. Thanks to
Ray Wylie Hubbard for the inspiration.

HALF A WORLD AWAY (with Nina Gerber)To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be
peculiar is liberating. Births, deaths and marriages are the events
that bind us as a community.

WE CRYDeath seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody
else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is indefinite.

CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with Bill Chambers)Written in Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold.
The ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music
is in the air.

DOWN IN A HOLESometimes you just have to write a song that lets the musicians
shine! Australia’s best - Bill Chambers (guitar), Rod McCormack
(banjo) and Mick Albeck (fiddle).

NOT I (with Raechel Lee)This is not a love song. Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance.
Love thy enemy (in this case, ‘thy crazy stalker’) for they teach
the greatest lessons.

SELF-HELP HELPED METhe hardest thing to look at is ourselves.

DUBLIN BOY (with Karl Broadie)Here’s to the Irish!

LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLORA new life and a new Baby Taylor guitar...

AUDREY'S WEBSITE “Lost Men and Angry Girls” chronicles the
past three years Audrey Auld Mezera (Mez-air-ah) has spent living on
the coast of Northern California. Musically and personally it’s been
an eventful period for the Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-
time ARIA nominee (Australian Recording Industry Association).

“My first year in America was spent living
in Bolinas in Marin County. It's the Wild West! Within a matter of
months I got married, moved hemispheres, filed a restraining order
on a stalker, dealt with grief, and missed my musician friends back
home” says Audrey.

No surprise then at the title of this album.

Mezera calls it 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American music
influences with Australian roots.

Love, Hate, Life, Death, Money and Music.Mezera’s writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart
and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of
political and global imbalance. But there’s no finger-pointing in
these songs of small towns, self-help, lives derailed, musical
heroes, lost men and angry girls. Mezera travels her path with humor,
insight and a great band.

Recorded primarily in Australia with her home-land’s best musicians
and produced by her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers, who retains
the sparse arrangements that characterize Mezera’s work.

“It’s always exciting to work on music with Audrey. These songs
reflect her life, where she now lives and the places and people she
comes in contact with. I’ve always been proud to be part of Audrey’s
recordings, but even more so with this one.” ~ Bill Chambers

The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the
prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest (“Losing Faith”) 2006, she the
was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting
contest (“Last Seen in Gainesville”). It was only a matter of time
before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists in
the world, Nina Gerber with whom she recorded a double live CD “In
The House”.

“She writes and sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only
sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes
the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place.”
~ G Meline, North Bay Bohemian, CA.

Later this month I'm returning to San
Quentin Prison to host a Songwriting workshop.
The prison has an active arts program for its 6500 inmates including
several bands.

"Morphine" from my new album "Lost Men and Angry Girls" was written
by Bonnie Lamb (AKA Bonnie Parker from Bonnie & Clyde) whilst she
was in the Oklahoma Rehabilitation and Industrial Estate. She took
the melody from a popular song of the day
("M-O-T-H-E-R") and re- wrote the lyrics.

I'm keen to hear songs from the pens of contemporary inmates, and
share with them what I have learnt along the writer's way.

Here's my plea - if you are a writer who would like to share a few
gems of wisdom, please send them to me at
mail@recklessrecords.com .
I would like to provide as wide a range of experience and guidance
as possible.
Photo by David Leslie

MARY GAUTHIER GOES DOWN UNDER!

Well finally Mary Gauthier is heading down under! It's only 4 shows
so don't miss out.
Reckless introduced Mary's music to Australian audiences several
years back, before she signed with Lost Highway.
Many Australian fans will know Mary via Bill Chambers' recording of
her song "I Drink". Bill may just show up on stage at the Red Hill
festival!
Mary is a great songwriter and entertainer and it's a rare treat
that she's travelling to the Southern Hemisphere.
She'll be sharing the stage with her constant touring partner, Thomm
Jutz. Thomm is originally from Germany and we played together in
Nashville several years ago. That's where Mary heard him play and
she's been touring with him ever since! He's a master guitar player
and works magic with Mary's songs.

But wait there's more! Is Australia where it's all going on?!
Fred Eaglesmith makes his 5th (?) visit to Australia with his
excellent band, joined by Bill Chambers.
Australia is rife with Fredheads! I am so bummed I won't be there
for Fred's shows.

OTHER NEWS... Sam Baker is nearing completion of his much anticipated follow up
album to 'Mercy' - a favorite on the best of 2006 lists!

I'll be celebrating my birthday in Nashville on Jan 14th, and
hopefully the Greencards will be giving me a pre-release copy of
their new album "Viridian"! (hint hint)

Kasey Chambers is expecting her 2nd child in July, to husband Shane
Nicholson. She'll be playing some acoustic shows in Australia
accompanied only by Shane and her father Bill Chambers. What a
treat! Her voice sounds awesome in an acoustic setting. Maybe
they'll bring in a campfire and some dingos for old time's sake!

'tis
the season to be eating..... As Christmas approaches it's time to
think about neat little CD sized gifts that mail well, stuff into
stockings, and can be enjoyed instantly on Christmas day.
Reckless CDs!!!!
Share your favorite music with your loved ones!
Buy 2 CDs from RecklessRecords.com and receive a bonus gift of
another CD for free! (till Dec 25)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Audrey x Here are some suggestions... See the Reckless Records Catalogue for the complete
range...
'MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH
'IN THE HOUSE' AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER
'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY
'MERCY' SAM BAKER
'FROZEN GROUND' BILL CHAMBERS
Or the gift of live music.....!

MILLYS CAFE' FRED EAGLESMITH

Fred J Eaglesmith's excellent 06 release
'Milly's Cafe' placed at #29 on the Americana Music Assocation's
top 100 of 2006. No wonder Fred, it's a very popular CD!
MI LLY CAFE

"IN THE HOUSE'

AUDREY AULD MEZERA & NINA GERBER

This live 2CD set of Audrey and Nina's
2nd show together was recorded in Sebastopol, California at Studio
E in Dec 2005.

" The chemistry between the two women was electrifying. Nina
played a variety of acoustic and electric styles, “stretching
out,” even for her, complementing every nuance in Audrey's songs.
Coupled with Audrey’s fabulous songwriting, glowing smiles,
gorgeous voice and giggles, the night was nothing short of
magical. I know the sold-out crowd was as blown away as I was.”
Laurie Schaeffer, Schaef-Abel Productions
www.northbaylive.com Feb. 2006
IN
THE HOUSE
'LOOKING BACK TO SEE' BILL & AUDREY

Bill Chambers & Audrey recorded this (her
first album) in 1998. If you like traditional country duets and
close harmony singing that's upbeat, heartfelt and hardcore then
you'll LOVE this album.
Chet Flippo featured this album in Billboard and it continues to
be a favorite of many Reckless fans.

You will want to buy more than one copy
of Sam Baker's 'Mercy' as it's a rare and beautiful album you'll
want to share with others. Each listen reveals more detail and
subtlety in both music and lyrics. Now that's value for money!

"There's nothin' worse than a raging
thirst
When you're drownin' in the rain
You live so fast but it only lasts
As long as a sniff of cocaine
Then they lower you down
In the frozen ground
Where hell lurks just below
And you're colder than the winter
And you're fallin' like the snow"

Bill Chambers' 2nd solo album
consolidates his brilliant talents as songwriter, singer and
musician.
Look out for his US tour dates in July 07.
FROZEN GROUND

Here's news from
Australia, San Quentin and some good stuff to look forward to.Check out www.MySpace.com/AudreyAuldMezera
for tracks from my new album 'Lost Men and Angry Girls'. You'll
hear more about the album in future news as it's due for U.S. and
Euro release in Feb 07.

But you can buy 'Lost Men and Angry Girls' now from
www.RecklessRecords.com, digital outlets, CD Baby, Lucky
Dice (NDL), and in Australian stores thru One Stop Entertainment
and NZ stores thru Southland Distribution.

There's also a blog I update from time to time on MySpace.

Go towww.iSound.com/Audrey_Auld_Mezera
and share the love!
Download a free copy of "Love You Like The Earth" and send it to a
loved one.
Be well, stay true and be happy,
Audrey

Mez and I had the best tour in Australia.
In 6 weeks we went from the Gympie Muster (a huge 10 day festival
set in Amamoor Forest) to the most beautiful tropical town of Port
Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef to the cities of Melbourne and
Sydney, the pretty country town of Tamworth, to the lush green
farmland of country Victoria. Melbourne was in the grip of AFL
Grand Final fever (so exciting, except Sydney lost to the "one
point wonders" from the West.)

Hoedown Trio from Finland were excellent road companions and
experienced some truely Australian moments. Losing Steve Irwin and
race car champ Peter Brock in the same week were two of the more
melancholy national moments.

We saw much wild-life (apart from Mez after the show) including a
koala with her baby, an emu with 7 babies, a huge perentie lizard,
roos and a glimpse of a platypus. Australia is in the midst of its
worst drought on record and with plans to dam more rivers we were
fortunate to see these animals in the wild while their native
habitat still exists.

Our 'time off' in Australia was spent with family in Central
Australia. The Northern Territory is like a whole different
country within Australia. The colours of the earth and rock
formations are bright orange and the sky is bright blue, the air
is soft and sweet and the people are very relaxed. It's about the
only place in Australia where one can sleep out under the stars,
in a swag without a tent. The Milky Way put on a splendid display
as the dingoes serenaded us at night.

I visited lots of radio stations to promote "Lost Men and Angry
Girls" and want to thank everyone for taking the time to write a
review, play some tracks and have a chat.

I played a Bread and Roses show at San
Quentin Prison on Saturday, Oct 14th.
Visitors are very limited as to which items can be brought into
the facility, and we went through several check points before
arriving at the huge outdoor exercise yard. There we found a stage
setup, overlooking a gorgeous view of Mt Tamalpais, a football
field, basketball courts, exercise equipment and tables and
chairs.
About 50 prisoners gathered to hear my set and it was fun! We had
a laugh, they connected with the songs, and afterwards asked for
'Losing Faith' again, and then for me to repeat my whole set!
Kurt Huget played with his band, and we finished with 'Ring of
Fire' to which many inmates sang along.
Afterwards we signed flyers, though I think they wanted the paper
more than the ink as a piece of paper is a precious thing in this
place...
I've never anticipated a gig more than this one. Many thoughts and
feelings about entering such a place gave me some restless times,
which eventually worked themselves out in a song which I sang for
the prisoners.
Later one guy admitted the song brought him to tears, which is a
big deal given the circumstance.
It was a great day and the saddest part was leaving, as I realised
those guys just stayed right where they were as we left the yard.
(Yes, the show was recorded, but the file wasn't saved before
powering off the recorder...)

BREAD AND ROSES
If I could bring you anything
I'd bring a banquet for a king
With cheese and wine and fruit and pies
A taste of everything
I'd have made you a cake
But the hacksaw didn't fit the pan
I'd bring more than I can hold
In these two hands

If I could bring you anything
I'd bring a meadow full of flowers
With hummingbirds and dragonflies
No fences for miles
You'd lay on the grass
And feel the breeze kiss your face
I'd bring the open sky
Erase time and place

If I could bring you anything
It would be peace of mind
An ocean of serenity
Freedom inside
I'd bring love for the lonely
Afraid to ever love again
And beer for the innocent
To drown their sorrows in

If I could bring you anything
I'd bring Jesus Christ
Buddha, Mohammed
Whatever gets you through the life
Good whiskey for those
Who don't believe any more
And smoke for those who need
To think on it some more

But all I could bring
Was my guitar and these songs
Bread and roses for the wayward
Been hungry so long
I'll take with me the memory
Of the day my life was changed
And the hope that when you leave this place
You never come back again

BILL CHAMBERS TO TOUR U.S.A. Whilst back home it was
wonderful to play music with Bill Chambers again. He's a demon on
the lap steel and is so entertaining on stage, whether he's
rocking out with the band or melting hearts with a tender acoustic
song. There's the same magic between us when we sing together
again and it was lovely to dust off some of the old songs.

The good news is Bill and I are planning to tour together in
America next year (June/July) with the Huckleberry Swedes, also
from Australia. I'll be putting the tour together so please get in
touch if you'd like us to play in your town.
email:
mail@recklessrecords.com

Tracklist
:BOLINASA little town on the west coast of America, on the wrong side
of the crack. CalTrans gave up posting the “Bolinas 2 miles” sign on
Hwy 1 as the locals kept tearing it down. The Indians used to advise
against living in Bolinas as it led to craziness. Neon peace signs,
tie-dyed hippies, wealth and poverty side by side. “Speak American”
was the order to the new Aussie girl in town... MORPHINEBonnie Parker, (of Bonnie and Clyde) was also a poet. This is
the first recording of her song. The original hand-written lyrics
reside in a private collection in Austin, Tx. The tune is taken from
the ‘30s song ‘M-O-T-H-E-R’. LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE This song haunted Audrey till it was completed. We never get
to hear the end of the story when we see the posted flyers -
“Missing Person”. BUCK HUNGRY (with BILL CHAMBERS)Money talks so loud we cannot hear what the earth is saying.
LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACHThe smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. HALF A WORLD AWAY (with NINA GERBER)To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be
peculiar is liberating. Still... there’s no place like the home-
land. WE CRYDeath - seems to be one of those things that happens to
everybody else. The fact that we die is definite. When we die is
indefinite. CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with BILL
CHAMBERS)Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold - where the ghost
of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the
air. DOWN IN A HOLELessons in the face of adversity.... or, any excuse to let
Bill Chambers, Rod McCormack and Mick Albeck let loose with the
band! NOT I (with RAECHEL LEE)Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy for
they teach the greatest lessons. This is not a love song. SELF-HELP HELPED METhe hardest thing to look at is yourself. DUBLIN BOY (with KARL BROADIE)Here’s to the Irish! LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLORA new life , a new guitar, a new song. Click here to
purchase and to hear audio Samples

Audrey's new T-shirts, caps and poster
are now on display at the Reckless Records online superstore! All
are great quality 100% cotton, Mens and Womens, with a loose or a
snug fit depending on your style. Check out Nina's dog Tootsie Roll
modelling her favorite cap! Also, check out the new 'Lost Men &
Angry Girls' poster, designed by Eric Jones.
Click here to view the complete range

MerleFest's Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-time
ARIA nominee Audrey Auld Mezera returns to Australia in
September to touch home-ground and to promote her new album
"Lost Men and Angry Girls".

"Lost Men and Angry Girls" Chronicles the
past three years Mezera has spent living on the coast of Northern
California. It's 'Ameri-kinda' music- traditional American
Country and Folk influences with Australian roots; a beautiful mix
of acoustic and electric instrumentation. Producer Bill
Chambers retains the sparse arrangements that characterise Mezera's
work.

Mezera's writing has evolved to be less
about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as
human beings in this time of great political upheaval and global
imbalance. She travels that path with humor,
insight, pathos and compassion. There's no finger-pointing in
these songs of small towns, self-help, life, death, lost men and
angry girls.

"America is such a political entity in
the world, and I'm living in Hippy Central, CA but it is still the
Wild West", says Audrey, "The San Andreas Fault line runs through
our lounge room, restraining orders are fashion accessories, the
cops wear bullet-proof vests, the wealthy look 'homeless' and
you can give and get whatever you want from The Freebox.
There's got to be a song in that!"

Recorded primarily in Australia, this
is the first album from Audrey where she has handed over the
production reins to her trusted collaborator, Bill
Chambers.

"I'm always seeking to venture into
uncomfortable zones in order to learn more and hear with new ears"
sats Audrey. "As the songwriter I hear the songs fully produced in
my mind, but I trust Bill completely when it comes to music so it
was exciting to hear how the songs evolved under his care.

The move to America has been good for
Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song
Contest this year (previous winners include Gillian Welch and Tift
Merritt), she is also one of the 10 finalists (of 900 entries) in
the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest with her song
"Last Seen in Gainesville" the single from the new " "Lost Men and Angry Girls" album.

The California music
community has embraced Mezera as one of their own and she's been
nominated in several regional music awards.

After marrying and relocating to
California in '03 it was only a matter of time before Merera crossed
paths woth one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina
Gerber. The magic created by the two was evident from the
start and after hearing the recording of their second show together
they realized they had something special. 'In The House'
(2006) a live double CD was the result.

'"In the house' is a document of pure
fluidity. Second to Mezera's songwriting is her
expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty
Griffin share. When she sings that "You'd leave me stra-a-nded"
It feels as if her entire body were supported by tiny twigs, each
slowly starting to crack. When this delicacy is augmented by
Gerber's sprawling atmosphere of arpeggios, absolute chemistry is at
play." ~ Gabe Meline, North bay Bohemian, CA.

Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber
The new double live CD "In The House" from Audrey and Nina will be
available,
Gerber has accompanied many artists including Kate Wolf, Nanci
Griffith, Greg Brown and Michelle Shocked.

Hi Helen,
It's gets crazy here in our sleepy beach town as the temperatures
rise, the crowds pour in, bake and gaze and remember why they love
the earth.
Here at RR HQ we are counting down the days till we head off for
the "Lost Men and Angry Girls" Australian tour later this month.
I hope to see you soon,
Audrey

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS
FESTIVAL Aug 18th The Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
opens with the prestigious Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a
juried group of the most gifted songwriters from around the world
compete for a spot in the 2007 lineup. Songwriting workshops
continue throughout the festival in the intimacy of the Wildflower
Tent.
I'm excited to be one of 10 finalists chosen from 900 entries to
the Showcase, with my song "Last Seen in Gainesville".
Other Aussies on the bill are The Waifs and Paul Kelly. Tune in to
the festival podcast - http://
www.bluegrass.com/podcast.html
Click here for more info

I have a new range of T-shirts, 3/4
sleeve tops, tank tops and ball caps in my favorite colours
(white, black, red and grey) adorned with my new logo, designed by
Eric Jones. These items are available at shows and will be added
to the website soon, so check back in soon...
Reckless Records Merchandise...

I was delighted to sing with Laurie Lewis
and Nina Gerber at Don Quixote's (Ca.) just recently. I'm a long
time fan of Laurie's so to sing harmony with her was a dream come
true. Her encore of 'Who Will Watch The Homeplace' was especially
moving with the whole audience singing along.

My shows with Nina Gerber continue to be inspiring and fun. It's a
joy to let the music go where it will and lose yourself in her
beautiful guitar work.

The Australian tour is set to be loads of fun! I'm keen to play
with Bill Chambers again - it's been too long. We'll be playing
together at the Gympie Muster, then again, towards the end of my
tour, in Victoria right after Bill returns from Kasey's US trip.

For many of my Aussie shows I'll be joined by Hoedown Trio from
Helsinki, Finland. Ninni (fiddle/accordion/ vocals), Mika (rhythm
guitar/vocals) and Olli (anything with strings) and I toured
together in Finland last year. If anyone has a piano accordion and
a pedal steel guitar they could lend us for our Sydney, Tamworth
and Adelaide shows please get in touch!

Saturday August 26th is going to be a fun night! I'm to be a guest
on John Nutting's famous 'Saturday Night Country' show on ABC
Radio, nationally throughout Australia and also on the web. We'll
be broadcasting live from the Gympie Muster from 10pm till 2am
(Aussie time), singing songs, telling tales and catching up with
friends at the festival.

Johnno does much to support Australian music whether its from
major label or independent artists, and by those same parameters
introduces great international artists to Australian audiences.

Raechel Lee (of The Lees) is an Australian Idol finalist! I hope
somebody records the show as I'd love to see her televised
performances. We wish her well for this next exciting phase of her
career. The Lees music will no longer be available from Reckless
Records.
Tune in to Saturday Night Country

NEW ALBUM - 'LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS'
HOEDOWN TRIO - AMERICANA MUSIC VIA HELSINKI NEW ALBUM - 'LOST MEN & ANGRY GIRLS'

MerleFest's Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two-time
ARIA nominee Audrey Auld Mezera returns to Australia in
August/September to touch home-ground and to promote her new album
"Lost Men and Angry Girls".

It's 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American Country and Folk
influences with Australian roots. Produced by Bill Chambers and
recorded in Australia, the album chronicles the past two and a
half years Audrey has spent living on the coast of Northern
California, near San Francisco.

"My writing has evolved to be less about the state of my heart and
more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of
great political upheaval and global imbalance," says Audrey.
"I'm living in Hippy Central, Ca. but it's still the Wild West.
The San Andreas fault line runs through our living-room, onions
are a fashion accessory, the cops wear bullet-proof vests, the
wealthy look 'Homeless' and you can give and get whatever you want
from The Freebox. There's got to be a song in that!"

Audrey's previous album 'Texas' received an ARIA nomination in
2005 for Best Country Album.

In 1998 Audrey, along with Bill Chambers established Reckless
Records in Australia, releasing albums from Fred Eaglesmith, Mary
Gauthier, Bill & Audrey, Sam Baker, The Lees and The Yearlings.

Audrey hails from Tasmania, Australia but is now based in Northern
California and is learning to speak American.

"She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville,
but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the
first place. Second to her song-writing is her expressionistic
phrasing, something that Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin
share."
~ Gabe Meline, North Bay Bohemian, Ca.

HOEDOWN TRIO - AMERICANA MUSIC VIA HELSINKI On her 2005 European tour, Audrey visited Finland and
toured with Hoedown. The Finnish trio will be touring with Audrey
on most of her Australian dates.
The trio Hoedown was formed in 2001, based on a love for roots
music. Mika, Ninni and Olli were part of the Helsinki musical
community playing and exploring country, blues & folk and
discovering an audience equally as passionate. Hoedown's music
shimmers with sweet harmonies. Their repertoire consists of
something of their own, something borrowed and - of course -
something blue. Along with their own songs they perform classics
from Jackson Browne, Dixie Chicks, Little Feat, Kasey Chambers,
J.J Cale, Jann Arden and Julie Miller.
Ninni Poijarvi (Poy-yarrr-vee) is Hoedown's beautiful singer,
fiddle and accordion player. She has released 2 acclaimed solo
albums – “Viidelta” (2002) and “Vapaapaiva”(2005)
Mika Kuokkanen (Kow-ka-nen), whose artist name is Kkane, is rooted
deeply in the singer-songwriter tradition but is no stranger to
urban and sharp edged rock either. His acclaimed solo debut "KKANE"
(2003) enjoyed rave reviews and a new solo album is due soon.
Olli Haavisto on pedal steel, lap steel, mandolin. Legendary in
Finland as the professor of stringed instruments, the no- nonsense
master of roots music and the guru of the pedal and lap steel.
Olli crowned his 30-year career with a brilliant solo album "Music
For Bus Stops" (2002)

Milly's Cafe - Fred Eaglesmith
When it comes to Fred Eaglesmith, two things are for sure - every
album is different from the last, and every song is great.
'Milly's Cafe' is no exception. This album is imbued with gritty
realism, loneliness and a weariness that only years spent
travelling can bring to a writer. The characters in Fred's songs
live on the dusty edges of time and place, travelling, longing and
wondering.

The music on 'Milly's Cafe' harks back to the high lonesome
harmonies of Fred's early 'black and white' albums and evokes the
hard-edged honky tonk sounds of 'Falling Stars and Broken Hearts'.

But this time it's Fred's current road band, with a few guests.
The sound is raw, the beat is languid, the arrangements sparse,
and Willie P. Bennett's harmonica tears at the heart. This is bare
bones country music but it's not pretty.

If you're new to Fred Eaglesmith have a listen to the audio
samples at the link below. Better still, check out his touring
schedule and go hear him live. He's a brilliant entertainer, as
well as a road warrior, comedian, enlightened Canadian, superb
songwriter and an inspiring human being.

Reckless Price: $17.00 (inc.tax & card fees)
To hear music samples, or to buy 'Milly's Cafe'...
------------------------------
Reckless Records has most of Fred's CDs in store.

THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG SERIES VOL 1. (double live CD solo)
THE OFFICIAL BOOTLEG SERIES VOL 2. (double live CD with band)
BALIN
FALLING STARS AND BROKEN HEARTS
RALPH'S LAST SHOW (double live CD)
LIPSTICK, LIES AND GASOLINE50 ODD DOLLARS
DRIVE-IN MOVIE
THINGS IS CHANGIN'
FRED J. EAGLESMITH
INDIANA ROAD
THE BOY THAT JUST WENT WRONG

This month we're celebrating the birthdays of Mez, Aileen from
KPIG and Jill Blair in NZ, plus the Freight & Salvage on the 16th,
with a great line-up of artists including Phil Marsh, David
Jacobs-Strain, Annie Johnston and more.
We're also looking forward to some great shows at the Larkspur
Cafe Theatre and Live Oak Music Festival.

Most of all we're rejoicing the return of our puppy Cora, who
after 3 days lost on Mt Tamalpais battling rattle-snakes, mountain
lions, coyotes and rogue scientists returned home, tired, hungry
and intact.

Nina Gerber and I had an amazing show at
Harrison House, a center for Homeless folks in Berkeley. It can be
daunting for a performer when faced with people living in extreme
situations (and a pile of donuts on the table). These are not
passionate fans paying to hear music, but people who struggle each
day to acquire what many of us take for granted. It makes me think
twice before declaring I'm having a bad day.

The report from the Bread and Roses host, Gary Flatow is shown
below. I think we all felt uplifted after the show. It's truly
warm and fuzzy to connect, laugh and talk with folks we might
otherwise ignore on the street, or not even encounter on our
comfortable paths through life.

It didn't look promising. Out front, the old man sat puffing on
his cigarette beneath the No Smoking sign. Inside was a room of
tables, with a couple of people still eating at them, and a cart
piled with dirty dishes at the front of the room. In the rec room
next door, a TV blasted the screams of a gory horror movie to a
handful of mesmerized viewers. I asked the guy at the front desk
where I should set up for the performers. "Right there, by the
dirty dishes," he told me.

But Audrey Auld Mezera brings sunshine with her. We set up the
equipment, the residents moved the tables and brought out the
chairs, and the supervisor shut the TV off without a riot ensuing.
Audrey brought the fabulous guitarist Nina Gerber with her as
accompaniest. Their opening song received a round of applause
whose enthusiasm belied the sparsity of the audience. When Audrey
followed that with a song about performers who had succumbed to
alcohol and pills, there were lots of nodding heads, and everyone
was hooked. Despite their down-and-out appearance, this was one of
the most engaged audiences I've hosted.

Lots of folks call Audrey a country-western singer, but if so,
she's a TASMANIAN country-western singer, which is a different
species from the American version, and probably one of a kind.

As the show went on, Audrey appeared to be having a great time,
smiling and laughing throughout her humorous songs, such as I'd
Leave Me Too and Self-Help Helped Me ("I'm trying to find myself,
but I don't know where to look.") How can you not love someone who
writes lyrics such as:
"Darling you have a drinking problem--it's me" "You can shove it,
'cause I don't love it" "Darling I don't blame you, 'cause I'd
leave me too"
Nina dazzled with nifty picking, slide guitar, and lots of whimsy.
They ended their set with Audrey belting out "Jellyroll" and Nina
pulling out all the stops. Several residents asked her back, one
came up to me to thank Bread and Roses and shake my hand, and we
made our way out as the fire engines pulled up.

T-shirts and Caps
Audrey has a great new range of Hanes and Bella 100% cotton
T-shirts, 3/4 sleeve shirts and ball caps.
These will be on display at Cuisine on the Green, and will soon be
added to the

Merchandise page on the
RecklessRecords.com site.

Audrey Auld Mezera - Bhodi Stone ArtworkExhibition at Cuisine on the Green, 5/13, Stinson Beach
Audrey will be exhibiting her 'Bhodi Stones' for the first time at
Cuisine on the Green at Stinson Beach this Saturday.
Bhodi Stones are painted concrete sculptures cast by David Jaarp
of Bolina from Burmese

wood carvings depicting Buddha and other
sacred images.

They are beautiful and durable suitable for indoor or outdoor
decor.

KRCB Pledge Drive!
Audrey live in studio 5/10, 8pm
On Wednesday night, May 10 KRCB will be broadcasting LIVE from
Studio J!!

First up: Audrey Auld Mezera will perform. Audrey is back from
Merlefest in North Carolina where

she won top honors in the best country
song contest for her tremendous composition, "Losing Faith".

Next: Joni Davis will perform some original songs at our Grand
Piano. Joni's star is on the rise;

she is getting rave reviews and turning
heads every time she performs.

The judges say they liked Mezera's use of imagery in her lyrics and
her energy.
Prizes included an acoustic Gibson Epiphone guitar, cash, D'Addario
guitar strings and the opportunity to sing the song on the Cabin
Stage (beside the main stage) on Friday night after Bob Weir's show.

Hi music lover!
Reckless Records is proud to announce the release of a new live 2-Cd
set "In The House" by Audrey Auld Mezera & Nina Gerber.

Audrey Auld Mezera is an Australian singer/songwriter in the
‘Americ-kinda’ style.
After marrying and relocating to California it was only a matter of
time before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists
in the world, Nina Gerber.

The magic created by the two was evident from the start and after
hearing the recording of their second show together they realized
they had something special. ‘In The House’ a live double CD
is the result.

“’In The House’ is a document of pure fluidity. She writes and
sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only sounds like she
grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs
that built Music Row in the first place. Second to Mezera’s
songwriting is her expressionistic phrasing, something that Lucinda
Williams and Patty Griffin share. When she sings that “you’d leave
me stra-a-nded” it feels as if her entire body were supported by
tiny twigs, each slowly starting to crack. When this delicacy is
augmented by Gerber’s sprawling atmosphere of arpeggios, absolute
chemistry is at play.” Gabe Meline, North Bay Bohemian

"The chemistry between the two women was electrifying. Nina
played a variety of acoustic and electric styles, “stretching out,”
even for her, complementing every nuance in Audrey's songs. Coupled
with Audrey’s fabulous songwriting, glowing smiles, gorgeous voice
and giggles, the night was nothing short of magical. I know the
sold-out crowd was as blown away as I was." ~ Laurie Schaeffer,
Schaef-Abel Productions
www.northbaylive.com

Audrey Auld Mezera is a finalist in the
Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, with the song "Losing Faith" from
her 2003 album of the same name.

Friday April 28th at MerleFest brings the finals of the Chris Austin
Songwriting Contest on the Chris Austin Stage. By the time three
finalists in each of the four categories of songs perform their
compositions here, they have been selected from among hundreds of
submissions.

A panel of Nashville music industry professionals, assembled by 2006
Chris Austin Songwriting Contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale, will
again this year evaluate taped entries to pick the dozen finalists.

A then unknown Gillian Welch was one of the winners of the initial
Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest in 1993. Recent
winners have included Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne
Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via, and Johnny Williams.
Steve Fishell, Caroline Herring, Hayes Carll, and Darrell Scott
judged the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, which
attracted a record 1154 entries, 250 more than 2004.
RecklessRecords.com
music with the dirt left on
PO Box 973
Stinson Beach

AUDREY'S RECKLESS NEWS -
MARCH '06* BILL CHAMBERS' NEW ALBUM 'FROZEN GROUND'
* FRED EAGLESMITH - IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IT JUST MY CAREER?
* AUDREY AULD MEZERA - INTERVIEW ON MELBOURNE RADIO
* SAM BAKER - 'MERCY' RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS!
* GIG GUIDES - AUDREY, BILL, SAM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BILL CHAMBERS' NEW ALBUM 'FROZEN GROUND'Bill Chambers had his Sydney album launch this week, for
'Frozen Ground', the much anticipated 2nd solo album.
Reports are it was a wonderful evening. Bill was joined by Kevin
Bennett from The Flood, and John McEwan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt
Band made a surprise guest appearance. McEwan's in Sydney for a
while performing in a play about John Lennon.

'Frozen Ground' is getting very positive reviews in Australia. Bill
was the featured guest on John Nutting's Saturday Night Country show
on ABC Radio last week. I was delighted to chat with Bill and John
on-air. It's always good to hear Australian accents again! I don't
think I've lost mine yet!

For U.S. and European readers, we will have import copies of 'Frozen
Ground' so please let us know if you'd like to reserve a copy.
(Sorry, no promos!)

Canadian roots music star and painter Fred Eaglesmith narrowly
escaped death Monday night when a fire destroyed his recording and
art studio, a converted bait and tackle shop on Port Dover's harbour
pier.

The singer-songwriter returned Sunday from a tour and was asleep
above the studio, where he had been recording a new CD, Milly's
Café, with his band, The Flying Squirrels.

"Fortunately we had just shipped off the masters to be manufactured,
so the work wasn't lost," Eaglesmith told the Star. "I got smoked,
but it's no big deal. I was in hospital for 20 minutes. I still have
my hands and no one got hurt. Worse things have happened to me."

The studio, along with expensive vintage recording equipment,
amplifiers, microphones, instruments and original works of art, was
gutted in the blaze.

Port Dover fire officials are investigating the cause which is
believed to be an electrical fault

"I woke up about 8:30 and smelled smoke," said the singer, who tried
to pour water on the fire. "I thought the whole building would go,
so I got out onto the roof and started yelling."

When local firefighters arrived, they asked him what he would like
saved. "These guys all knew me, and they went over the top to pull
out some of my most valuable old guitars and some of my paintings,"
he said.

Eaglesmith, a Buddhist, is taking the loss of his other things
philosophically. "It's a reminder that I don't need all this crap.
The Buddhist way allows 17 possessions — I had too many."

"Austin singer-songwriter, Sam Baker, got his body blown apart in
Peru when a bomb went off on a train. Senseless violence, but Baker
chose to make blessings of his wounds. Eighteen surgeries later, Sam
had to switch to playing guitar left-handed because of damages. His
singing is about as honest as it gets. Mercy works as a suite,
simple and complex, offering rich details which activate the
imagination. This is a folk album, but don't be fooled by category;
there's a genius at work here. Townes Van Zandt would've loved these
songs, might've tried to win them in a card game. But Baker's no
gambler. These songs are his art. It's been a while since a record
sent such a short right hand to my heart, and that was before I read
Baker's bio". Doug Lang, freighttrainboogie.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 'I'D LEAVE ME TOO' VIDEO ADDED TO SITEThe 2000 debut video clip by Cori Hopper of "I'd Leave Me
Too" can now be viewed on the RecklessRecords.com site.
It was made by Cori and Worm, starring Mick Albeck as the forsaker,
("and the Phony Award goes to Aud.....")
It was filmed in Woy Woy and at my home at Woy Woy Bay, New South
Wales.
The last shot was hilarious as Mick had never rowed a boat before
and the sun was quickly setting and we all stood on the jetty
screaming directions to him, "go right, go right.... no, go left, go
left!"
Looking every bit the zero budget piece it was ($11.50 for the
flowers) we were surprised and delighted when it won several local
film festival awards.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* BREAD AND ROSES

My first show for Bread and Roses at a Women's Rehab center went
very well. I was moved when I received this glowing report...

"... The range of her songs and the beauty of her voice transformed
the facility immediately. Several of the women were moved to tears
and others laughed knowingly... the show bonded us somehow and we
were unafraid in Audrey's real and safe company.
In recent months I've been wondering about the efficacy of art, what
it can really do to change, or at least influence society. Last
night's show answered my questions. Audrey's music addressed
difficult parts of being alive, of loving, of making a life work
out. It helped us see that we are not alone in these struggles and
it filled us with a recognition of one another. I was honored to be
at this show." D. Lomax

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* SAM BAKER - 'MERCY'

Sam Baker's wonderful Cd, 'Mercy' goes out to media this month, so
listen up!
This is one of my all-time favorite CD's. Every home should have
one!

"The best writing I've come across since Mary Gauthier. ‘Mercy’
is one of my favorite albums of the last five years." GURF MORLIX

There are a few Catherine Britt fans on this list who'd be
interested to know that Village Records have stock of her Nashville
album. It was produced by Keith Stegall and Bill Chambers a few
years back and RCA have delayed a U.S. release, but ABC in Australia
have released it there, so it's an import to the U.S! New fans
really should check out her first album, on ABC in Australia.

And while you're ordering from Village, get 'Begonias' by Caitlin
Cary and Thad Cockrell. Wonderful country duets - great songs and
singing. It's on regular rotation in my 6 CD changer in my NEW
CAR!!!!

Fred Eaglesmith's great song 'ACOHOL AND PILLS' is eligible for the
People's Voice - an online voting contest that allows the public to
listen to all the finalists' songs and vote for their favourite.
People's Voice is separate from, and in addition to, the winners
selected by ISC's panel of judges. Be sure to tell all your friends,
family, and fans, so that they can vote for Fred’s song too. Voting
will take place from February 1 through February 28, 2006.
Start voting now at
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome_2005.htm

An Australian singer songwriter has a nomination in the Teen
category of the same competition - 17 year old, Katie Brianna with
her song, "The Devil Came Back For You". Bill Chambers recently
produced a 4 song CD for Katie and it's great. If you like Iris
Dement, Kasey Chambers and Catherine Britt, you'll like Katie as
their influence is apparent.
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm
* * * * * * * *
* HUCKLEBERRY SWEDES - TAMWORTH FESTIVAL BUZZ!

Bill Chambers tells me that the South Australian band Huckleberry
Swedes were the buzz of the Tamworth country music festival. He and
I agree their EP is awesome and their sound is unique. But Bill said
to hear them live was even better. So keep an ear out for them as
they're working on an album.www.huckleberryswedes.com
That's all music fans!
Audrey x
RecklessRecords.com
music with the dirt left on
PO Box 973
Stinson Beach
Ca. 94970 USA

AUDREY'S RECKLESS NEWS - JANUARY '06
* BRAGGING - BEST OF 2005
* THE NEW YEAR - FIRE AND FLOOD
* TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL - BILL CHAMBERS' ALBUM LAUNCH
* GIG GUIDE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* BRAGGING - BEST OF 2005
* Best Female Artist - FAR REPORTERS
# 5 Audrey Auld Mezera
* Best Female Artist - David John, Radio KTRU Houston & KEOS College
Station, Texas
# 2 Audrey Auld Mezera
* Top Albums - Michael Van Bruggen, Radio 105.7 Landslide,
Netherlands
# 1 - Audrey Auld Mezera: Texas (Reckless Records)
* Top 20 Best Albums - Thomas Kaldijk, Radio Parkstad, Holland
#8 - Audrey Auld Mezera: Texas
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* THE NEW YEAR - FIRE AND FLOOD
While most of you were wooping it up on New Year's Eve, drinking and
smoking and vowing never to do it again (... tomorrow), many folks
in California were dealing with too much water too soon, while in
Australia the hottest day was recorded and bushfires prevailed.
Here in Stinson, our little house couldn't keep out the murky brown
waters. Fortunately the tide receded and our indoor swimming pool
was temporary but the wind and rains continued, taking out power for
two days. Waves were running down our street and it was only the
shoreline houses that held back the ocean. We canoed along our
street, the dogs learnt to swim and midnight was celebrated in a
pitch black town with candles and a lone trumpet.
Down Under same day, Bill Chambers' home was surrounded by fire but
survived, though several homes and cars in the area were lost, and
the only access to the area was via boat into the bay.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL - BILL CHAMBERS' ALBUM LAUNCH
I'm sad to say I won't be at the festival this year. It's rare that
I miss this wonderful week of music and catching up with friends and
musicians from all over the country. It's one of the largest music
festivals in the world, and takes over the whole town of Tamworth,
located about 5 hours north west of Sydney. The weather is hot and
every venue, main street and open space is devoted to music.
Starting on Jan 20th till 29th, the festival is one big party,
culminating in the Gold Guitar Awards on Saturday night. I'd
recommend any traveller visiting Australia at that time to check it
out (but finding accommodation is tough).

For those lucky ones attending the festival be sure to catch
Bill Chambers' 'Frozen Ground' album launch
Scully Room, Southgate Inn on Wednesday Jan 25th at 8pm.
Advance ticket purchase would be advised.

Sam Baker's debut CD is a masterpiece of writing, production and
performance. This classic work reveals its beauty more and more,
with each subsequent play. 'Mercy' is a collection of stories of
people and places made real by detail, believable because of their
imperfection and memorable for their universal human experiences.

Produced by Walt Wilkins and Tim Lorsch, each song is supported and
enhanced by sensitive production. The strings, the haunting steel
guitar and the beautiful voices of Joy Lynn White and Jessi Colter
combined with Sam Baker's spoken/sung gravelly voice make music that
shimmers like an orchestra yet retains the earthiness of Baker's
Texas roots. US$13.00

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* NINA GERBER
I was delighted to play two shows with the great Nina Gerber. The
first was in my (new) home-town of Stinson Beach and the second was
in Nina's home-town of Sebastopol. Both shows were an overwhelming
success. A big THANK YOU to everyone who sent us such wonderful
feedback. We've decided to release the Sebastopol show on CD, and
will keep you posted about when it's available.
Nina Gerber is famous in California for her sensitive guitar work,
and she can chicken-pick a Tele with the best of them!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* HAPPY XMAS - FREE SONG DOWNLOAD
Xmas is a time to 'show the love' so I'd like to give you all a song
for Xmas.
You know I'd come and sing it to you personally......
but the next best thing is to go to recklessrecords.com and
download 'Half A World Away', a new song inspired by living in the
Northern hemisphere (with Nina Gerber on guitar). You know, for the
first time in my life my ability to differentiate between left and
right is totally screwed up. I blame this new hemisphere for that!

So, happy Xmas, may all your dreams come true and every day be
filled with good love, good music and good food.
Thanks for showing up to shows, sending us your messages, enjoying
our music and digging 'music with the skunk left on'!

Whether you’re a star in a long black car or a songwriter on an
all-nighter, it all comes down to the music
- the beautiful connection of art, science and maths
creating a transcendent moment for whomever is tuned in.

My first European tour was good fun and a great success. I'm not
sure what we enjoyed more - the shows, the cheeses (the bluer the
better!), the whisk(e)y or the vodka! For 35 days Mez and I
travelled through France, Netherlands, England, Scotland, Ireland
and Finland encountering a different culture, language and audience
in each country.

An invitation from the Dam Country Festival in France prompted the
tour. Each year they feature an Australian artist, and this year I
was the lucky one. The festival is in the Normandie region, near
Rouen but in the country, based around an old Chateau. The setting
is beautiful and there's a huge enthusiastic turnout. The festival
focuses on American culture - the music is mainly 50's style rock
'n' roll and rock 'n' country performed by European artists. The
stalls sell all kinds of American Cowboy and Indian costumes,
jewellery, accessories, etc, horse displays feature the American
flag and anthem, and many of the attendees dress in very stylish and
immaculate costumes from early Pioneer (a la 'Little House on the
Prairie') through Confederate outfits to Hollywood Cowboy. I believe
it's more an aesthetic appreciation of America, than a political
endorsement.
I was initially very shy about speaking French to anyone, let alone
from the stage, but it became quite fun as my High School French
returned. I played with a wonderful band from Paris, called Station.
Another Aussie girl, Sally-Ann Whitten was also at the festival, and
joined me on-stage for 'Waltzing Matilda' which was a special
request from the organisers. I found the people in Paris and in the
country areas very warm and friendly, not at all arrogant or
stand-offish.

The shows in the Netherlands were fantastic. We travelled all over
the countryside, with guitar player BJ Baartmans as accompanist. The
hospitality shown to us was generous and gracious, and the audiences
were most respectful and appreciative. I enjoyed meeting
face-to-face people I've known via email for several years. Many
Dutch people are passionate music fans. They are very serious
throughout a song, and show great enthusiasm at the end. Sandra and
Luciano from www.luckydice.nl do a great job of bringing good roots
and country music to the Netherlands.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city and a great example of how well people
can live together peacefully in small spaces. We learnt pretty
quickly that the bicycles rule, and that the cyclists know how to
dodge stupid rubber-neckers who wander into their lanes! Coming from
the USA - land of big cars, wide-open spaces, "personal space"
assertion and strip-malls, it was great to walk in a city that's
relatively free of cars, litter, franchises and people who go nuts
if you 'violate their space'.

Too many parties and too many pals lead to a severe throat infection
and a gig in Worcester, England where I sounded like the child of
Tom Waits and Joe Cocker (generous description), but I still got an
encore so they must have been really drunk!

I was anxious to go to England as my mother is from London and my
brother lives there now. It's way too crowded for my taste, but to
walk where my mother walked as a child was very meaningful. We
wandered into Trafalgar Square and were caught up in the emotion of
a huge crowd celebrating the English cricket team winning the Ashes
back from Australia (for the first time in 16 years). I played a
couple of shows with a really good bluegrass band, Chatham County
Line from North Carolina. High lonesome and powering.
www.chathamcountyline.com

I realised how 'English' the Australian culture is, since living in
the U.S. and visiting England. It made me homesick for Australia. I
realised too how much Australians are to be exposed to an equal mix
of English and American music. Whilst in England it was refreshing
to hear that distinctly British sound that's so familiar to me, but
absent these American days.

Scotland is a beautiful country, but where are all the people
hiding? With only a few days there we spent no time in Edinburgh,
just keen to get lost in highland mists. Europeans have finessed the
art of the small car, so we hired a Chevy Handbag and were amazed as
6'3" and me and guitar and cases all fitted in this midget
automobile ("Excuse me, would you get out while I change gears,
please?")

Most amazing encounter on this tour? At the Shindown Festival at
Invershin in far North Scotland, meeting Aura from Planet Woman, a
great N.Z./Scottish band (
www.planetwoman.net ) . She's a beautiful Maori singer I met in
Sydney many years ago.

Whilst in Scotland I received a phone call from Vital who license
'Texas' in Australia, telling me I've received an ARIA nomination
for Best Country Album. Great news!! It's cool when a self-funded
album goes up against 3 big budget major label productions (Keith
Urban, Paul Kelly, Adam Harvey and Sara Storer). ARIA is the
Australian Recording Industry Assn, the Australian equivalent of the
Grammys.

Yes, haggis is really good (everything but the baaaaaa!)

And what do I remember of Cork, Ireland? That Scottish Whiskey
tastes just as good in Ireland, and an Irish Whisky distillery tour
is a good hair of the dog.
I was honoured to join the Lee Valley String Band for a few songs at
the Cornerhouse pub in Cork. They've been playing together for 35
years and rarely invite anyone to play. It's a joy to hear music
flowing so freely from people, whether from the pubs or singing
along at a show. Kevin Gill (from the Lee Valley String Band) and
his son accompanied me at the Triskell Theatre.

Our final week of the tour was spent in Finland. There's an avid
roots/country scene in Helsinki, and one of the best music stores
I've seen is Fennica Records. When Kasey Chambers played in Sweden
earlier this year Ninni and Mika from the band Hoedown journeyed
from Helsinki to hear her play. They met Bill and Kasey and became
friends.

Ninni Poijarvi, a beautiful singer, fiddle and accordion player, and
her partner Mika (KKane), also a singer/songwriter, both record solo
albums as well as backing well-known Finnish artists with their band
Hoedown. To hear Ninni sing in Finnish showed me that one doesn't
need to understand a language to feel the soul of a song.
www.ninnipoijarvi.com

My shows with Hoedown were great. Fortunately, like the Netherlands,
many people speak and understand English. Again, the respect and
appreciation displayed was wonderful. We made some lovely friends in
Finland. Helsinki is quite an austere city, but autumn was turning
the birch trees golden, red and orange like a perfect postcard. It's
the land of 60,000 lakes and twice as many saunas, so everyone is
soft and clean! The smoked-salmon is the best in the world, but I
couldn't bring myself to eat Bear or Reindeer. No wonder Santa uses
Fedex these days... all the Russians ate Rudolph, Donna and Blixen!

Thanks so much to Bob McCartney of Accor Hotels, Lucky Dice, Sean
Kelly, BJ Baartmans, Roland Lanzarone, Ninni and Mika, Rob Ellen,
Fred Auld, Robyn Skinner, Sheila O'Donnell and all the wonderful
musicians, hosts and promoters for helping create great moments and
memories.
I look forward to seeing you in future days,
Audrey

"SILENT is an anagram of LISTEN"
- Bar Mary, Porvoo, Finland.

“MUSIC WITH THE DIRT LEFT ON”
IN ARIA COUNTDOWN
“If I were American, I’d be Texan. In Texas the air is as balmy as a
Sydney summer, the people are as friendly as Tasmanians, and like
Melbourne, the music community embraces everyone regardless of genre
or origin” – Audrey Auld Mezera.

Fledgling label, Vital Entertainment, were delighted to learn that
Audrey Auld Mezera’s album “Texas” has been short listed in the ARIA
Top 5 Best Country Albums in the company of artists like Keith Urban
and Paul Kelly.

“It’s exciting to be nominated in the ARIA’s, it’s always great to
receive recognition for the work we all put in” Mezera said.

A tour of Texas in 2004 resulted in the recording of this live
studio album, the first release from Audrey Auld Mezera since
becoming a U.S. resident and adopting her married name.
Recorded in Gabe Rhodes’ studio in Austin – it’s about people who
have inspired the songs, Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe
Shaver and the Dead Ringer Band – music with the dirt left on!

Now based in the U.S., Audrey is currently in Europe on a tour which
includes England, France, Holland and Finland where she already has
a legion of fans and great chart success.

Audrey tours constantly and has shared the stage with Buddy Miller,
Kim Ritchie, Jim Lauderdale, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Russell, Kasey
Chambers and Dale Watson to name a few. Audrey’s contemporary
inspirations are Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, Bill
and Kasey Chambers, and Fred Eaglesmith – artists who defy genre and
who set their own style whilst drawing on the roots and traditions
of music.

“Audrey Auld is one of my favourite songwriters. Not only does she
have a way of telling it straight with passion, she’s totally
fearless. She reminds me of Steve Earl. Scary! Audrey’s the real
deal” – Bill Chambers.

Hey y'all!
Texas has been nominated in the ARIAs for BEST COUNTRY ALBUM.
Woo hoo!
Up against major label acts like Paul Kelly, Keith Urban, Sara
Storer and Adam Harvey, so whitelight the situation and I'll make
the trip home for it (October 23rd methinks)
love Audrey x

AUGUST 05 NEWS from RECKLESS
RECORDSHi music lover!We've had to change our Newsletter software, so if you receive
this twice, or it's not specific to your area, or you'd rather opt
out, please let us know.

* Praise the lard! The Pig is finally on the air in the Bay Area!
Northern Californians will be happy to discover that the famous KPIG-FM,
the irreverent radio station from Freedom, CA, (down near Santa
Cruz), is now being simulcast in the Bay Area at 1510 AM on your
radio dial. It's great to hear a full-time Americana station in the
San Francisco area.

* I played 2 hilarious shows with the bluehouse, a trio of very
funny women from Australia. It was great to hear Australian humor
again, which has a character all its own. Special moment was when
the girls broke into a spontaneous harmonized version of Sherbet's
'Howzat'. Would any Americans have heard that song from the '70s?
the bluehouse are still touring the US, so check them out at
bluehouse.net

* I'm preparing for my first European tour, starting September 1st
in The Netherlands, with shows in France, England, Scotland and
Finland. More dates are being added. If you have any friends in
these parts, please let them know my Tour Dates, and to come and say
"hi". Dates are shown at the end of this message.

* August 17th is my first show in Toronto, Canada (Tranzac club)
where I'll be joined by a few of Fred Eaglesmith's band members.
Then on the weekend we all head to Fred's annual charity picnic.
The line-up is great including Sam Baker, Willie P. Bennett, Slaid
Cleaves, Roger Marin, Washboard Hank and Gurf Morlix (to name a
few!). Visit
www.fredjeaglesmith.com/picnic/index.html for all the
info.

* Bill Chambers is currently touring
the U.S. with Kasey and her band. The Greencards are opening the
shows, so it's a thoroughly Australian (therefore, thoroughly
excellent) affair! At the Newport Folk Festival they shared a stage
with Buddy Miller, Elvis Costello and Gillian Welch.

Bill's been busy producing recordings for Sandra Humphries, Leanne
Rose, and The Lees will be working with Bill on a new album later
this year.

When Bill returns home from the U.S. he has some really cool shows
lined up in September.

* NEW RECKLESS RECORDS.COM WEBSITEPhotographer and painter, Eric Jones of San Francisco has
totally recreated our RecklessRecords.com website and it looks
very flash!
It includes lyrics, audio samples of all albums from Audrey Auld
Mezera, Bill Chambers, The Yearlings (including their new album),
The Lees, and most of Fred Eaglesmith's titles. You can also see
videos from Bill and Audrey, plus there's a very easy-to-use
shopping cart. Check it out and let us know what you think.

* AUDREY AULD NEWS The song "Next Big Nothing" was played on the Big Brother TV
show in Australia recently.
'Texas' continues to receive airplay worldwide, appearing on
Americana airplay charts in the US and Europe.
I toured with Fred Eaglesmith and his band the Flying Squirrels for
2 weeks, down the west coast of America, and into Vegas and Denver.
It was great fun to travel with Fred, especially on his lovely old
bus (from the '70s) and with his wonderful band. I joined the Flying
Squirrels Review to open the shows each night, and sang a couple of
songs with Fred. It's a powerful feeling to sing with both Willie P.
Bennett and Fred. When Willie took a solo I could feel an amazing
energy. He's a most inspired player.
Apart from the back wheels almost falling off, oh and the brakes
failing as we hurtled down the hill into Denver, it was a very happy
time! Willie calls the bus "the travelling monastery", and I think
we all discovered the meaning of Zen as we entered Denver.

In the brief time that Fred spends at home he's been painting
pictures and they're really good! You can check them out at
www.fredeaglesmith.com

Roger Marin (pedal steel/guitar) is forging a solo career and will
be touring on a shared billing with Hayes Carll in the future.

I was delighted to discover fans in towns I hadn't played before. In
a town that seems all about sequins and cabaret it was good to meet
the Acoustic Routes crew, who host acoustic music in Vegas (
www.acousticroutes.com ).

* * * * * * * * * * THANK YOU, PAL O' MINE!A big THANK YOU!! goes out to everyone who has submitted
comments and reviews of our albums to CD Baby and Amazon.
In the absence of big buck promo budgets, it's very cool to draw on
'Pal Power' and receive such great support!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * HELLO 'MUSIC NETWORK MAGAZINE'; GOODBYE 'COUNTRY
UPDATE' MAGAZINEI'm excited to be contributing a column on Americana, Roots
and Country music in the Australian radio/industry bible, Music
Network magazine -
www.themusicnetwork.com.au
It's wonderful to see Americana and Roots music becoming part of the
mainstream radio consciousness in Australia.
Dare we dream of John Prine's "Fair and Square" at #1 on the Top
40?!!

Kym Cheshire will be taking over the 'Roots n All' column in the
Australian Country Update magazine.

* * * * * * * * * *

AUDREY AULD MEZERA’S
“TEXAS”
IS NOW ON RELEASE IN AUSTRALIAAudrey’s ground-breaking album “Texas” is now available on
Vital Entertainment through Didgeridoo Records and One Stop
Entertainment.

“If I were American, I’d be Texan”. In
Texas the air is as balmy as a Sydney Summer, the people are as
friendly as Tasmanians, and like Melbourne, the music community
embraces everyone regardless of genre or origin.

“Texas” is a child of that embrace.

Currently #2 on the Freeform American Roots Chart, Audrey is sitting
behind the only other contributor to the songs on this album, Mary
Gauthier who penned the haunting “Karla Faye”.

The clip for “Love You Like The Earth” has been screening on the
Country Music Channel since January.

“Texas” is where you’ll want to be when
you kick back with this quality album.

Most Reckless titles are now available for download from many digital
retailers, including Napster and iTunes.
You can buy individual songs or a complete album.
Go to www.irisdistribution.com/part_outlets.html
to find a list of retailers.

Thanks to all of you who voted for its airplay on the Country Music
Channel in Australia!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* BILL CHAMBERS
Bill's second album is inching towards completion....

To view Bill's video of "I Drink" go to the Reckless Records site and
click on the 'Bill Chambers' button. View his electronic press kit (EPK)
including gigs, bio, and some cool new pics by Glen Hannah.

There's also a couple of pics from the debut 'Harvest' show at Avoca
Beach.
For those of you who didn't receive the email re the 'Harvest' show last
month, Bill, Kasey and Shane Nicholson have formed a band, along with
Mick Albeck (fiddle) and Chris Haigh (bass). They play covers by their
favorite writers including Tom Waits, Fred Eaglesmith, Bob Dylan, Steve
Earle and John Prine.
It's a fun side-project and an irregular return to the smaller, more
intimate gigs of Kasey's earlier days.
Bill reports their first show was excellent, with Shane and Kasey
working up some great cover songs together.
"No" the show was not recorded, but there may be plans to record a
future show, and "Yes", we'll let you know when that occurs.

Bill Chambers will be appearing at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in
Okemah, OK, July this year.

In amongst the noise and hype of SXSW, it was a delight to discover the
excellent album 'Mercy' by Sam Baker, produced by Walt Wilkins and Tim
Lorsch.
When musicians are buzzed about an album (as opposed to music
industrialists) it's worth a listen.
Check out sambakermusic.com for audio samples, CD credits, and the
bargain price of $10 for the CD, with part proceeds benefitting
charities.
The songs, the music, the singing - beautiful, meaningful, tasteful.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* FAR CHART

"Freeform American Roots is a monthly radio chart reported to by 139
freeform DJs, mainly in America but also Canada, Europe, Australia & New
Zealand and Uruguay, with weekly shows on public, college, community and
commercial stations. Because of the very of the format (or lack of it),
reporting is based entirely on the DJs' personal preferences - this is
what they like, not what they're told to like." John Conquest
The *XX entries indicate an Album of the Month report.www.3rdcoastmusic.com
.

* HOMECOMING NEWSIt was great to go home and spend a wonderful month in
Australia, and a few glorious days in New Zealand.
I think I miss the Australian sun most of all - it's strong, warming
and addictive - (hence the 'Slip Slop Slap' campaign, though I think
'Sip Sop Crash' might be more appropriate for summer down-under!)

I was overwhelmed by the love I felt from so many people when I got
to the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and as I continued around
the country. It was one big cuddle-fest! It was great not to feel
'foreign' anymore and to hear so many people say they miss me, my
voice and my songs.

My show in the Scully Room was one of the best I've ever played.
The pleasure of working with Bill Chambers and Chris Haigh, combined
with a lot of love in the room, sparkley sequins and lots of new
songs made for a very special night.

"It is the music and the power of her lyrics that gives this show
its power, as well as a feeling of intimacy and friendliness.
Judging by the line of fans waiting to buy the new CD the show was a
great success. 'Texas' should be added to all country music lovers'
collections." Simon Chamberlain, Northern Daily Leader

The National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra hosted another
wonderful show. Be sure to check it out when in Canberra. Their
small 1920's era theatre is a perfect venue for intimate acoustic
shows. Donal Baylor and his Tennessee Tuxedo String Band played a
ripper opening set that made the night extra special. If you love
Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Bill Monroe and the Louvin Bros then seek
out the new Donal Brothers album - best played LOUD at your next
party! Write to Donal at
dkjbay@homemail.com.au. He'll be
visiting the US with Bluegrass Parkway later this year.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * 'TEXAS' UPDATE "Texas" has been met with much acclaim, especially the songs
'Love You Like The Earth' and 'Hole In My Life'. It's pleasing, as
a songwriter, to know the songs connect with people. Thanks to
everyone who's emailed to share their response to the album.
It has just been released in the US and good feedback from radio is
already coming in.

* COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL/NU COUNTRY TV
If you watch the Country Music Channel in Australia, then you may
have seen the video for 'Love You Like The Earth' (starring Mez and
Gypsy, our dog). It's filmed at Bolinas and Stinson Beach, a little
north of San Francisco.
You can request the clip be aired by visiting www.countrymusicchannel.com.au
Exercise the power of one, register with CMC and request 'Love You
Like The Earth'. You could get it on the video chart!

Mez was thrilled to be recognised, whilst in Melbourne, by folks
who'd seen him in the video on Nu Country TV in Melbourne.

AUDREY AULD MEZERA SIGNS TO VITALVital Entertainment Solutions is proud to announce the
signing of Audrey Auld Mezera and the release of Audrey’s new album
“Texas” for the territory of Australia and New Zealand.

Audrey is a great singer songwriter and holds a unique place in
contemporary Americana/Roots music. Described by Fred Eaglesmith as
“one of the most honest original artists I know”, she has built a
firm fan base in this territory through sheer hard work and tenacity
in her pursuit of success. Relocating to the U.S. following her
marriage to an American in 2003 has provided Audrey with fertile
ground for songwriting and “Texas” is an absolute gem!

“Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs – Woody
Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Fay Tucker, Dead
Ringer Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we
all belong. It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio
capturing the essence of the moment. Recorded in Austin late last
year, this latest album features a group of friends from Austin, as
well as Bill Chambers who was touring Texas with Audrey at the time.

“This beautiful songbird has a voice that I am sure is making Tammy
Wynette smile in heaven” quotes a recent American review, and there
is much to enjoy on this new album with Audrey’s unique vocal style.
The album contains a wonderful collection of thought provoking,
evocative and diverse songs which reflect the life and thoughts of
this very interesting woman.

During her recent trip to Australia to perform at the Tamworth
Country Music Festival Audrey negotiated with Vital to represent her
in this territory with the release of “Texas” to be followed by a
new studio album produced by Bill Chambers at his Central Coast
studio.

Vital’s Meryl Gross reports “having been a personal fan of Audrey’s
for many years, I am delighted that we have reached a deal to work
with this incredibly talented performer and songwriter over the
upcoming years. Audrey has built up an enviable reputation by
sticking with country music traditions and developing her own unique
style which audiences love.”

Audrey joins a select group of Vital artists which include Steve
Forde and the Flange, The Corb Lund Band, David Lee Murphy and Fred
Eaglesmith and the “Texas” album will be released in Australia at
the end of March 2005.

AUDREY AULD MEZERA SIGNS TO VITALVital Entertainment Solutions is proud to announce the signing of
Audrey Auld Mezera and the release of Audrey’s new album “Texas” for the
territory of Australia and New Zealand.

Audrey is a great singer songwriter and holds a unique place in
contemporary Americana/Roots music. Described by Fred Eaglesmith as “one
of the most honest original artists I know”, she has built a firm fan
base in this territory through sheer hard work and tenacity in her
pursuit of success. Relocating to the U.S. following her marriage to an
American in 2003 has provided Audrey with fertile ground for songwriting
and “Texas” is an absolute gem!

“Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs – Woody
Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Fay Tucker, Dead Ringer
Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we all belong.
It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio capturing the essence
of the moment. Recorded in Austin late last year, this latest album
features a group of friends from Austin, as well as Bill Chambers who
was touring Texas with Audrey at the time.

“This beautiful songbird has a voice that I am sure is making Tammy
Wynette smile in heaven” quotes a recent American review, and there is
much to enjoy on this new album with Audrey’s unique vocal style. The
album contains a wonderful collection of thought provoking, evocative
and diverse songs which reflect the life and thoughts of this very
interesting woman.

During her recent trip to Australia to perform at the Tamworth Country
Music Festival Audrey negotiated with Vital to represent her in this
territory with the release of “Texas” to be followed by a new studio
album produced by Bill Chambers at his Central Coast studio.

Vital’s Meryl Gross reports “having been a personal fan of Audrey’s for
many years, I am delighted that we have reached a deal to work with this
incredibly talented performer and songwriter over the upcoming years.
Audrey has built up an enviable reputation by sticking with country
music traditions and developing her own unique style which audiences
love.”

Audrey joins a select group of Vital artists which include Steve Forde
and the Flange, The Corb Lund Band, David Lee Murphy and Fred Eaglesmith
and the “Texas” album will be released in Australia at the end of March
2005.

“If I were American, I’d be Texan. In Texas the air is as balmy as a
Sydney summer,
the people are as friendly as Tasmanians, & like Melbourne,
the music community embraces everyone regardless of genre or origin.
“Texas” is a child of that embrace.

When in Austin I love to play music with Gabe Rhodes.
His casual invitation to record led to the casual creation of this
album.
We had no band or masterplan.
The only decision made regarding the production of this album was to
make as few decisions as possible;
to not assume knowledge of the overall outcome and to let the players
have their way.

In October 2004, Bill Chambers and I were touring Texas so it was
natural to invite Bill along to the recording session.
Carrie Rodriguez & Darcie Deaville came along to the shows, so I invited
them along to the session.
Will Landin & Wally Doggett from Jimmy La Fave’s band are Austin natives
so I invited them along too.
Gabe’s mum is Kimmie Rhodes & his studio is located out back of her
house at Briar Cliff, West of Austin.
He built the place, brick by brick, over a 6 year period & it’s imbued
with all the earthy beauty you hear in his music.

“Texas” is about people – those who have inspired the songs –
Woody Guthrie, Harlan Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Karla Faye Tucker,
Dead Ringer Band, father, husband and the universal family to which we
all belong.

It’s also about an ensemble gathered in the studio, capturing the moment
when, united
by the music of a song on the edge of being known, the here & now is
transcended.
The ‘one-take’ tracks include the creaking of the pump organ pedals,
the anticipation of skin on steel & wood, the deflated sighs as John
Kerry conceded,
and the ash softy falling from Gabe’s cigarette…” Audrey

"TEXAS" TRACK LIST:

1. LOVE YOU LIKE THE EARTH (Audrey Auld Mezera)
A rare love song from my pen! It was a thrill to hear Kimmie Rhodes sing
harmonies.

2. KARLA FAYE (Mary Gauthier/Crit Harmon)
Karla Faye Tucker was executed in Texas in 1998. After an extended
drug-binge she and another person
murdered two people. Imprisonment lead her to a Christian faith and a
plea for a stay of execution
in exchange for a life-long sentence. Denied.

3. MY FATHER (Audrey Auld Mezera)
Redemption for the teenage years….

4. SONG FOR HARLAN (Audrey Auld Mezera)
On hearing the story of Harlan Howard’s passing I wrote this song whilst
playing his guitar, sitting in his chair.
Heavenly harmonies by Kimmie Rhodes.

6. HOLE IN MY LIFE (Audrey Auld Mezera)
Death: the inevitable separation.
Inspired by a banner in San Francisco promoting ‘Walk for AIDS’ – a
fundraiser for ongoing research.

7. WOODY (Audrey Auld Mezera)
Woody Guthrie is an icon to the travelling singer/songwriter. His
writing rings true, today as much as ever.

8 MISSIN MEZ (Audrey Auld Mezera)
I met Mez when I was 18, in Hobart, Tasmania.
I saw him for a day in San Francisco 10 years later, and married him 21
years after our initial meeting.
This song came during the 6 weeks we spent on our respective continents
(USA and Australia) prior to our wedding.
Now I’m Audrey Auld Mezera, and he’s Lucky!

9. BILLY JOE (Audrey Auld Mezera)
No Depression magazine conducted an interview with Billy Joe Shaver soon
after his Son Eddy
had passed away on New Year’s Eve of 2000. In 1999 Billy Joe’s mother,
his Wife Brenda, and
her mother had all passed away. Billy Joe said he’d always thought that
he’d be the first to go
but was glad that it was he who was left if it meant sparing his family
the pain of grief. Billy Joe Shaver is a most impassioned entertainer
and his songwriting is the most vital it’s ever been.
Features Darcie Deaville on fiddle and harmony.

10. SHINE (AUDREY AULD MEZERA)
It would seem the Dead Ringer Band have travelled every road in
Australia, and carved a few new ones.
Their faith, talent and vision are an inspiration to many.

11. ONE EYE (AUDREY AULD MEZERA)
I thought I wrote this about ‘other people’, then realised it’s as much
about me as anyone.
Features vocals from Carrie Rodriguez and Bill Chambers.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO BUY CDs

"SANTA SPEND XMAS WITH ME"
Looking for a special Xmas song to fill that space between Xmas songs?
Don't forget Track 14 of the 'Reckless Records Garage Sale' CD is Audrey
Auld singing "Santa Spend Xmas With Me"
written by Gillian Welch/Ilene Allman.
Happy Xmas and many thanks for the airplay and support you've given us
at Reckless.
Best regards,
Audrey Auld Mezera and Bill Chambers

* TEXAS NEWS
This newsletter finds me shaking the Texas dust off my boots and trying
to remember what happened after that first sip of Tito's Vodka. One week
in Texas quite happily turned into two. Bill Chambers and I were kept
busy doing shows in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, Gruene, Marble
Falls and Luckenbach. We performed quite a few of Bill's new songs which
was fun, especially "Poison Blood", a co-write with Worm. This song is
perfect for all the air-guitar champions.

It was a great surprise to run into Buddy in Austin, who hails from the
inner-city Sydney honky tonk scene. He's honeymooning throughout the
U.S. with his sweetheart.

My final evening in Austin was spent at Kasey Chambers' show at La Zona
Rosa. Ah, the joy of hanging out with a bunch of Australians. I felt
almost normal (although that's easy around that mob). They all seem very
happy, and were eating Texas style BBQ ribs for breakfast, lunch and
dinner.

I also spent some time in the studio recording with Gabe Rhodes, Bill
and a bunch of great Austin musicians, so I've got a new album coming
out sooner than I'd planned! I'll let you know more about that in a
future newsletter. It's called "Texas" and will be out in Australia in
January and in the US in early March.

I'm returning to Texas in June next year for the Marble Falls Music
Festival. Marble Falls is a beautiful little town only an hour from
Austin. After that it'll be on to Okemah for the Woody Guthrie Folk
Festival in July. Yay!
-----------------------------------------------------
* UPDATED HANDLE - AUDREY AULD MEZERA
You may have noticed my new name in the subject line. I've been married
a year now so since the warranty is out and it hasn't broken down I'll
keep the husband! Mezera is of Bohemian origin and I now have millions
of cousins in Wisconsin and Chicago.
-----------------------------------------------------
* BUBBLE & SQUEAK
- Aussie Fredheads will be happy to know Fred Eaglesmith is returning to
Australia in April, including the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival. His
new album "Dusty" is now available from
www.fredeaglesmith.com
.

THE YEARLINGS
- South Australian duo The Yearlings have a beautiful new album in the
works. Whilst retaining their earthiness, their sound has developed,
with fiddle, piano and banjo complementing their lovely vocal & acoustic
guitar blend. Their singing and writing manages to combine an old-world
feel but with contemporary images. "Don't wanna be used up and burnt out
like a stolen car."

- Jimmy La Fave is in production of a new album, and it's about time
too! Recently at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San
Francisco, Jimmy and his band played to a huge crowd. They were rocking
out. We became friends at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and it was a
big surprise plus a huge thrill when he invited me on stage to sing with
him in San Fran.

- Kimmie Rhodes has just released her new album called "Windblown" and
I'm proud to say I received the first, personally signed,
'hot-off-the-press' copy! It's a beautiful album and is an accompaniment
to a theatrical production due to play in Austin in January. "Windblown"
more than satisfies this "I'd take 'West Texas Heaven' to a deserted
island" fan.

- Censorship in America is becoming stricter all the time. I had an
entertaining chat with John Conquest, coordinator of the FAR Radio
Report, at Casbeers in San Antonio recently on just this subject. Seems
some radio stations are so fearful of being fined or losing their
license that they've created their own laws above and beyond the "seven
deadly words" censored from media broadcast by the US government. Put
simply, anything that goes into or comes out of the body is not allowed
to be uttered on radio.
What about tears? There goes all the Country songs!
And what of sweat? There goes the Blues!
I hope to see you soon,
Audrey x
-----------------------------------------------------
*
RECKLESS
RECORDS
PO Box 973 Stinson Beach, Ca. 94970 USA
PO Box 298, Marrickville, NSW 1475 Australia

* BILL & AUDREY IN THE U.S.
* BILL CHAMBERS UPDATE
* AUDREY AULD UPDATE
* RECKLESS RECORDS UPDATE
* GIG GUIDES
* SARAH'S STORY
-------------* RECKLESS RECORDS UPDATESydney readers may be familiar with Robyn Skinner who has had a show
on Radio 2RRR for many years. Robyn is now running the Australian office of
Reckless Records. She can be contacted on 0418 972 019 or fax 0295578546.
Our new mailing address is shown below.

As Reckless has created an awareness of Fred Eaglesmith and Mary Gauthier in
Australia, we also hope to raise awareness of some Australian artists in
America. There's a lot of interest in what Australia has to offer and
there are some great independent Australian artists who deserve a larger
audience. * BILL CHAMBERS UPDATEBill's currently in the studio recording tracks for his next album. It'll
be released next year on Nash Chambers' label Essence/EMI in Australia and
on Reckless Records in the US. Bill's new songs are great. He's obviously
writing from a different time and place in his life.

Keep an eye out for newcomer Ben Crick. Bill produced his debut album and
it's awesome. Very Australian sounding, wonderful lyrics and Ben's voice is
unique. Ben grew up playing drums in his family band 'Hot Diggety' with
Olivia Jane and Steve Crick. Ben's album will be out on Essence/EMI.

Bill's been playing a lot of shows with The Flood over the past year and
it's a great combination. Fingers crossed they'll all get to tour the US
next year. Lead singer of The Flood, Kevin Bennett, has a sound and style
evoking Pat McLaughlin and Delbert McClinton - in other words, he's
incredibly soulful, and all together, they rock in the grooviest way! Look
out for a future US release from The Flood.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* AUDREY AULD UPDATEIn August I went on tour for three weeks, driving from Bolinas,
California to Cleveland, Ohio on Highway 80 East. Now I know why there is
corn syrup in all the processed food in America. They have to do something
with all that corn they're growing! Miles and miles of corn fields, and
then, for something different, some soybean fields. There's something
peaceful about all those fields, forever in the distance. What do the
farmers do whilst the corn is growing? Surely not listening to the same
five country songs on the radio. It's a sure sign keith urban is doing well
when his songs are included on those incredibly limited playlists.

I travelled with our dogs Gypsy and Sarah and sadly only returned home with
Gypsy. See 'Sarah's Story' below to read of her tragic and unnecessary
demise.
Mez joined me in Cleveland where we stayed downtown - the cleanest
friendliest city I've been to. Even the homeless folks greet you in the
street! A highlight was our visit to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, reading
Jimi Hendrix's song lyrics in his own handwriting and seeing his clothes and
artwork. His stuff really vibrated with a powerful presence. Thanks to
Charlie Saber at Radio WRUW for his hospitality.

Chicago is a story of a lost dog, meeting the in-laws and coping with way
too many people for that patch of earth.

So arriving in Wisconsin (more in-laws) was a welcome, peaceful, green
relief. Prairie du Chien has the best smoked fish, the squeakiest cheese
curds and the naughtiest cousins who insisted on giving me whiskey shots
throughout my show which made for an erratic but fun performance!
Thanks to John Banta for his hospitality in Stephens Point. Clark Place is
one of the most musically attuned venues I have visited.
Our travels included Nebraska, Iowa, Omaha and Utah. Lori Rosendahl of KRCL
hosted a lovely house concert in a florist store, then supplied us with
tapes of her great radio show for the road. One of those tapes included a
beautiful and unforgettable song called "Ghandi" which turned out to be
Cheryl Wheeler - a name I'd heard but not her music.
So, with the 'Check Engine' light glaring we headed back home on 80 West,
spending our first anniversary in the whore capital of Nevada - Winnemucca
(you can imagine the songs I wrote about that town!)

With one 'sleepover' after arriving home, I headed straight off to the
Strawberry Music Festival, near Yosemite National Park. This is almost a
secret event, in that there is no sign, to the passer-by, that 5000 people
are camped out in the forest! The festival sells out very soon after
tickets go on sale. It is set amongst tall pine trees and is very laid back
with more tie-dye than I've ever seen, jam sessions all over the place, kids
running wild and a great range of music on the main stage, as well as more
intimate workshops. Great new discoveries for me were Jackie Greene -
classic American blues with shades of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and Martin
Sexton - a solo man sounding like a band. With a special mic he sings a
lead break and sounds like an awesome electric guitar solo.
I enjoyed checking out the different camps, each with their own banner
announcing the name. It was also good to meet a few radio presenters whom
I've been sending music to for several years. It's always good to put a face
to a name on a list. Thanks to Dave Gordon and Sherry Austin for your
wonderful hospitality, good camping and great new songs, Sherry!

The art of the house concert is quite refined in some areas of the US. Bill
Wagman in Davis and Joel Sonenshein in Arcata both host shows in beautiful
homes where everyone feels very comfortable. It's much better for the
performer when the audience is familiar and comfortable with the concept, as
it's quite a different experience to that of a public venue show. A house
concert can be quite confronting for some as there's no sound system and no
stage, and it's a very 'up-close' performance. It's also great when the
host has paid attention to the lighting, as we're all more beautiful in the
dark.

I plan on recording my new album early next year. Many Australian artists
head to Nashville to record, but I'm heading home! Bill Chambers will be
producing and we'll be recording on the central coast at Music Cellar
(McCormack Bros. studio) and the Boneyard (Bill's studio). I hope to play a
show or two during the Tamworth festival and also in Sydney, Melbourne and
Tasmania.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------* SARAH'S STORY (August 2004)Old dogs get old because they’re allowed to, with love and good
care. This is the story of one old dog, Sarah, who travelled with her
owner, Audrey from California to Chicago. Sarah was a 14-year old black
lab, with a very large, unmistakeable, benign tumour on her side and
arthritic hips. She slept a lot but had her puppy moments. Audrey's
destination was Cleveland, but stopped over to see family (Jon and Lenka) in
Willow Springs, IL for the night. They offered to take care of Sarah and
give her a few days of sleeping in the grass rather than the car until
Audrey and husband Mez returned to Chicago. Sarah had a tendency to walk
until she found her owners, so Jon and Lenka had been warned to keep her in
a fenced yard. Unfortunately Sarah was allowed to remain on the front
verandah, from where she eventually wandered on Wednesday morning.

Many residents of Willow Springs saw her walking the streets that morning.
The UPS guy gave her half of his sandwich. Eventually she was picked up by
Tami at 79th and Archer. Sarah was a little muddy from walking in the
creek, but was as friendly as ever. Tami took Sarah to the Animal Welfare
League on Southwest Hwy, Chicago Ridge where she was helped from the car by
Mark and taken into the front reception area to sit and wait with her
rescuer for check-in. Tami gave her loving and snacks as they sat and
waited, watching a crazed German Shepherd that bothered everyone but Sarah.
It was 10.30am.

Jon and Lenka went out looking for Sarah, to discover from road-workers that
they’d seen a woman collecting a black dog from the roadside.

At twelve o’clock Jon visited the Animal Welfare League enquiring about
Sarah. He was told by the lady on the front desk, who had been in
attendance all morning, that no dogs had been brought in that morning and
that he was not allowed to ‘look out back’ at the unwanted dogs in cages.
Jon left. Several hours later more family members visited the shelter
enquiring after Sarah. They were allowed to search the cages for her, to no
avail.

Audrey and Mez returned to Chicago Thursday afternoon where they immediately
made 200 ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ flyers including a photo of Sarah and
offering a reward. They called the Animal Welfare League, with no success.
Over the next four days Audrey and Mez distributed 500 posters, searched
creeks, train-tracks, bush, backyards, trailer parks, streets, highways,
police-stations, animal clinics, and the memories of residents, crying but
hopeful of a reunion with the dog that was their family for 14 years.
Everyday Mez searched the cages of the Animal Welfare League only to exit
with nothing but tears.

On Monday afternoon Mez received a call from Tami, who had seen the Wanted
poster on La Grange, advising him that Sarah had been taken to the Animal
Welfare League on Wednesday. Confused but hopeful, Mez and Audrey rushed to
the shelter. Nobody seemed to know about Sarah’s existence. Richy, the
supervisor, said that he had work to do and granted Mez and Audrey ‘access
all areas’ to the shelter. Once again the search was to no avail, but
knowing that Sarah had been taken there, Mez and Audrey weren’t leaving
without answers. Inter-office phone calls were exchanged in a secretive
manner. Eventually Mez & Audrey were ushered into an office by a trembling
Richy and two other attendants. Richy, who obviously had no idea what
happened to Sarah, started to tell his story of Sarah’s admission, then
promptly exited the office. Mez and Audrey were left, in the most
insensitive manner, to wonder what was going on. Richy subsequently
returned after 5 or 10 minutes and a phone call from his Director, to tell a
story of Sarah being admitted, that “he” was bleeding from the nose and
rear, displaying aggression, no tags, large tumour, old dog, etc. and
advised that “he” was put to sleep on Thursday afternoon. Richy’s lies were
evident to Mez and Audrey. They knew that Sarah trembled visibly when taken
to any clinic, and never showed aggression. Tami had made no mention of any
injuries or blood, only that Sarah was friendly. It was obvious that the
Animal Welfare League were not going to give straight answers about Sarah’s
demise, and advised Mez and Audrey to call back tomorrow and speak with the
Director.

Audrey called the Director, Linda, the next day. Linda had no answers and
said someone would call Audrey back shortly. After waiting an hour for a
return phone call, Mez, Audrey and Jon visited the Animal Welfare League in
person. The same woman Jon had spoken with on his initial visit to the
shelter was working. She had no recollection of anything, except Jon’s
visit, and seemed quite concerned and surprised at the turn of events.

A meeting was held with Linda, several staff members including Mark, and
Sarah's family. The family asked to be honoured with the truth so they
could all rest easy. Linda advised that Sarah had been euthanised on
Wednesday morning.

Why was Sarah killed so quickly? Isn’t there a law requiring dogs be held
for at least 5 days? Why weren’t the family told she was gone? Why wasn’t
Jon allowed to look for her Wednesday morning? Why was he told no dog had
been brought in? Why were the owners allowed to search there everyday for a
dog that had been killed days ago? Why did the Animal Welfare League lie?
Maybe they didn't see an $85 re-adoption fee in an old lumpy dog.

As the questions continued, the Animal Welfare League story changed. The
Director read from some paperwork that Sarah had been brought into the
shelter with a split tumour, bleeding from the nose and mouth, had been hit
by a car and died of her own accord. Mark, who had carried her from the car,
advised she was never taken to the front entrance, but was taken to a
restricted area at the rear of the building, where she died shortly
afterwards. The same Mark who helped show Mez, photo in hand, around the
cages on his initial visit.

The fact is Sarah is gone. This loving old dog deserved better treatment in
her last moments. Mez and Audrey deserved to be reunited with their dog, at
the very least the chance to bury her. More than that Sarah and her family
deserved to be treated in a humane manner by the very organization whose
business is meant to be built on humane welfare.

Audrey and Dan wish to thank all the residents of Willow Springs who helped
them during their quest for their dog. The community found their dog but
the place where she should have found safe shelter, the Animal Welfare
League of Chicago Ridge, let everybody down.
-------------------------------------------
I hope I haven't ended this on too sad a note. The questions for me are,
why did no-one take responsibility for their actions and why turn to telling
lies so quickly? It is this behaviour that really needs addressing.
Our other dog Gypsy was rescued from a PAWS shelter in Oklahoma, where they
practice a "no kill" policy because they really care about animal welfare.
Sarah's story did make the front page of the Daily Southtown newspaper, so
let's hope donors think twice before supporting the Chicago Ridge Animal
Welfare League, who need training in animal and human welfare.

July 14th is Woody Guthrie's birthday and each year in his home town of
Okemah, OK the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival celebrates his music and
philosophy.
The festival is free and covers 5 music filled days and nights. The ethos
is 'leave your egos at the door, come in and join the family'.
The festival opened my eyes to the fact that there is a wealth of extremely
talented musicians and entertainers who are out there touring the country,
making great music, who will never be famous but succeed in touching the
hearts and lives of those lucky enough to hear them play. Maybe, as a
newcomer to the US, the ignorance of these artists' existence is mine?
Steve Earle was this year's special guest, powerful, solo and riveting.
Festival favorites are Jimmy La Fave, Arlo Guthrie, Sarah Lee Guthrie and
Johnny Irion, Slaid Cleaves, The Burnes Sisters to name just a few. There
are just too many great acts to mention.
But briefly......
Steppin' In It, from Michigan, are wonderful. Their new album is roots
music at its best.
Christopher Williams has to be heard and seen to be believed. The music
flows through his body with such passion, whether he's beating the drum or
playing guitar.
Jeff Plankenhorn has finally stepped out from behind whichever front-person
he's backed over the years, with his own new album "Plank". He's got a
beautiful voice and great songs.
Ray Bonneville is no stranger to many of you in the US and Canada, and now,
no longer to me! He's so cool. Slide, blues, harp, stomp and groove.

* TEXAS TOURPrior to the Woodyfest, I toured Texas, which is always good for the
soul. Highlights include my Threadgill's show in Austin backed by the
mighty Greencards, the Cactus Cafe song swap with Susan Gibson (writer of
"Wide Open Spaces"). She's a wild-card and a lot of fun to share the stage
with.
When in Austin I love to play music with Gabe Rhodes. He's the son of Kimmie
Rhodes, and is extremely musical and spontaneous.
Two near-death experiences on Dallas freeways were worth it, in order to get
to Bill's Record Store for the high noon beer n pizza n music fest. Any
visitor to Dallas must check out this store. It's a living museum of music
history. Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse was a good venue for my debut Dallas
show. Especially, in this lovely intimate venue, to hear Jimmy La Fave up
close and personal. He's so great. His voice cuts right to your soul.
The inaugural Marble Falls Music Festival, just an hour out of Austin was
good fun, though dampened by too much rain. Todd Snider, Charlie Robison,
Ray Wylie Hubbard, the South Austin Jug Band and many others managed to
avoid electrocution which made for added entertainment. The town is
beautiful and the people very friendly, so I hope the festival continues.
Any town that has 'Pie Happy Hour' (at the Bluebonnet Cafe) is good for me!

Jim Dirden is the man who has captured some great festival pics from Woody
Guthrie Folk Festival and Marble Falls Music Festival.
Check out jimdirden.com for pics of all the artists, including a few of me n
my new 'do' (it's cheaper than a face-lift!).
(We're adding some new pics to the Reckless website too).

* THE GREENCARDSI'm so proud to see The Greencards doing so well in the US. They've
just received a nomination from the Americana Music Assn. (AMA) in the Best
New Act category. I've known Kym Warner and Carol Young for quite a few
years (both from Australia) and it's wonderful to see their talent and hard
work finally starting to pay off. Eamon McLaughlin is an amazing fiddle
player who can lift your heart with the swoop of his bow. Their live show
is energizing and fun, their 'Movin' On' CD sells like hot-cakes and the
audience response is happy and enthusiastic.

* MARY GAUTHIER
Mary is currently finalizing her new album due for release early next year
on Lost Highway.
In the meantime she's touring as the opener for John Prine. What a great
line-up!

*UPDATED RECKLESS RECORDS WEBSITE
Many TV shows in America focus on the perfecting of the imperfect. A quick
demolition of all that is unbeautiful, too big, too small, too rough,
too-whatever-it-is-not, whether it's a house or a human or a psyche.
Under this new influence, I've put Terry Phillpot to work and he's created a
whole new Reckless Records website. Now I'll never be one for bells and
whistles, so don't expect a "Swan" entrant. We are "music with the dirt
left on" after all!
Terry has done a great job though, and hopefully the new Superstore pages
will make purchasing CDs as easy as ever, whether you're in Australia, the
US, or Timbuktu.

* MARY GAUTHIERI recently spent some time with Mary Gauthier in Nashville, who's
preparing to release her next album on Lost Highway. It's produced by Gurf
Morlix and is as beautiful and as strong as her previous albums.
To learn more about Mary, read Frank Goodman's wonderful interview at www.puremusic.com
then buy one of her albums so you can hang out like the rest of us for the
new record!

* STORIES OF A MUSICAL PILGRIMAGEPrior to my stay to Nashville I travelled through Tennessee, North
Carolina and Virginia. As an avid reader of American musical history and
biographies, it was wonderful to experience some legendary places
firsthand.
Going from Dollywood one day, to the Carter Fold the next, demonstrated how
divergent the paths of mountain folk can be!
In Dollywood the stores rang with the sounds of cash registers. At the
Carter Fold the hills hummed with music and song.
The ghost of Dolly was sparkling and alive in her museum which included her
original coat of many colors (it was never corduroy in my mind).
In Hiltons, Virginia, the caretakers of the Carter Fold have disassembled AP
Carter's home, log by numbered log, and reassembled it next to his store,
which is now a museum. The old home is yet to be completed and although it
is still just an empty log home it is very much alive with ghosts from the
past. I felt very lucky to experience his old home place before it also
becomes a museum piece.
Where Pigeon Forge, home to Dollywood, is filled with every franchise in
existence, Hiltons has one corner store that'll give away the hot-dogs if
they're so inclined, and they don't have a postcard of the place. I hope
Hiltons remains as unchanged and as unvarnished as it seems to be.

Merlefest in North Carolina was a wonderful 4 day music festival. Banjos
galore, great sound, great audiences and great music. Vince Gill and Patty
Loveless reaffirmed my love of country music. Roseanne Cash was unfazed and
gracious as we sat in our plastic ponchos in the pouring rain (squealing, of
course). She was wonderful, especially to hear her sing "I Still Miss
Someone" with Doc Watson. The Indigo Girls were amazing. Gillian Welch and
David Rawlings are going to make mountain music the new Pop. David Rawlings
has that rare fire that captures great musicians and takes us with them as
they play. (They'll be touring Australia later this year). I was proud to
see the overwhelming reception The Waifs received. They have a huge
following in the US, and this festival of predominantly acoustic, earthy
music really suited their style. The Greencards also did a great set and
are creating a buzz. This festival is a picker's dream. All over the place
small groups are playing, singing and dancing. And as the "bubbas on
golf-carts" drove around, I couldn't help but think of Fred Eaglesmith and
his boys, lying under their bus, Canadian airspace, fetal positions, tequila
bottles.....
One question did come to mind during the festival: If the banjo originated
from Africa, where are the banjo-playing African-Americans?

Thanks to Nancy Apple I also managed a quick trip to Memphis. This town
doesn't deserve a cursory glance as there's much to see and absorb. Like
Virginia, the air is heavy with music and the brick walls have many stories
to tell.

In Nashville I was fortunate to sit a while in Harlan Howard's office. He's
always been a hero of mine and I never thought I'd get to breathe that air.
It's exciting to know he has several thousand songs yet to be recorded, and
still more songs to be finished. Without thinking I picked up a guitar only
to learn it had been his gift to Chet Atkins who had used it on many
recordings. Goosebumps!

* LUCINDA HOLDFORTH - RECOMMENDED READINGWhilst travelling I was absorbed by a wonderful new book written by
my good friend, Lucinda Holdforth.
"True Pleasures: a Memoir of Women in Paris", out through Random House in
Australia.
Lucinda writing captures all the elegance and sophistication of all things
European, then slams it home with humorous Aussie vernacular. She's an
urban Sydney girl touring Paris on foot; part travelogue, part history of
remarkable women in Paris, part journey of self-discovery - all delivered
with sparkle, wit, insight and sensual imagery.

* SOME GREAT NEW CD RELEASESSome great new CDs that have crossed my path :
KIERAN KANE & KEVIN WELCH "You Can't Save Everybody" - The best modern
hillbilly music I've heard in a long time. This album reminds me why I find
them so inspiring.

PATTY GRIFFIN "Impossible Dream" - It's Patty!
It can only be good!

LORETTA LYNN "Van Lear Rose" - Satisfy all your go-go girl desires with this
one. It's Loretta, just the same, but the band is rocking out!

GURF MORLIX "Cut and Shoot" - Great country music (I don't get to say that
very often anymore)

FERAL SWING KATZ "Round 3" - More great western swing from this popular
Aussie band, featuring their lovely new singer Camille Te Nahu. Cheesey
artwork, but you can't go wrong when Stuart French (guitar) and Michel Rose
(pedal steel) wrap their swingin' licks around classic jazz songs.

COUNTRY SONGBIRDS - Here's a true story.... I got this Cd and stuck it in
the player. After a few tracks I thought "I wish I was on this CD". Into
CD 2, Mez points out that "Losing Faith" is on it! I was really chuffed.
Dave Laing from Shock Records in Australia has put together this 2 CD set
and it's great. The song selection covers all decades from Patsy Montana
through to Mindy Smith, with all your favorite Girl Singers in-between
(Patsy Cline, Lucinda, Emmylou, Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Dusty
Springfield, Janis Joplin to name a few). It's stylistically diverse and
mixes the familiar with the new in perfect balance. Great travelling music.

Hi all,
The highlight of this month was the week I spent touring with Fred
Eaglesmith and his band in California. We travelled on Fred's old 1970s bus
which is a haven on wheels. We were joined for all the Ca. shows by a group
of Fredheads who would often pass us on the highway to the next venue,
screaming and yelling. You know you're a Fredhead when.... you can watch a
Fred show 7 times in a week and still be captivated and entertained by him.
No two shows are alike. His band are great people who are really
entertaining on the bus and create a lovely sense of family. Fred's next
album is almost done. It has the Funmaker organ all over it and includes
some very soulful gems from Fred.

Another highlight occurred in Lulu-Belle's Cafe, Grants Pass, Oregon. By
chance I happened to meet Don Maddox of the Maddox Brothers and Rose. It was
an overwhelming moment for me, as I've read Rose Maddox's biography and love
their music. Don played the fiddle in the band, and is the last remaining
band member. Don recently sent me a type-written letter in response to me
sending him the Bill & Audrey 'Looking Back To See' album. "I don't know why
you guys haven't hit the bigtime... you guys are commercial and you have
good rhythm, good listening, good beer drinking music." I don't think there
could be higher praise!

I recently co-hosted a radio show featuring Australian music on the local
community station, KWMR (West Marin), with Kay Clements. I put out the call
to my Australian muso friends to send me material for airplay. I felt really
proud to play such a great standard of writing, production and performance
and to display a wide range of material. I hope to help a few Australian
acts get their music released in the U.S. in the future.

I'll be spending a week in Nashville in May and attending Merlefest in
Carolina for the first time. The most exciting stopover is Dollywood, of
course! Then in June/July I'll be back in Texas, and happy to be so! All my
gigs are listed below and updated on the websites.

The Reckless site is being overhauled and will be finished soon. The main
changes are at the Superstore and Catalogue pages. Reckless now has offices
in Australia and the U.S., so we can keep the postage costs specific to your
region.

Kasey Chambers is working on her new album at the moment. She'll be touring
Australia in July/August and then in the U.S. around November. Fingers
crossed Bill Chambers will have his new album ready later this year too. He
has sung me some new songs over the phone and they're great. It's his best
writing yet. Diane Chambers is having a "sale" of Kasey's merchandise, so if
you want to score a bargain email her direct at
chambersmerch@bigpond.com .
Bill's son, Jake Chambers, turned 1 and took his first steps this month!

Congrats too to Camille Te Nahu and Stuart French (Feral Swing Katz) on the
birth of their son Chet, on St Patrick's Day. No prizes for guessing his
destiny.

Don't forget to check out my 'Roots n All' pages in the Australian Country
Update magazine. The new issue is out now.

Thanks to those who are helping me out with gigs and tours in the U.S.
Sometimes the size of this country is overwhelming and it feels like I'm
starting over, but it's an exciting challenge and I'm discovering it's a
beautiful country with wonderfully enthusiastic music fans.
your pal,
Audrey

* * * * * * * * * * *

Audrey and Dan

Congratulations Audrey
Auld and Dan Mezera (USA) who were married at Central Coast Friday 29th
August'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Audrey Auld at the famous Bluebird Cafe Nashville

Highlights include :
* meeting Charlie Louvin (of the Louvin Bros) and singing harmony with
him on "I Saw The Light" (with Jett Williams on lead) on the Ernest
Tubb Midnight Jamboree show. I'm amazed at the amount of people
who are not familiar with the Louvins' music. I find it hard to
imagine life, and an appreciation of CM, without their music.

* The Woody Guthrie Festival in OK was amazing, especially the finale
where all the artists were invited on stage with Pete Seeger and Arlo
Guthrie to sing along with the few thousand strong crowd.

* Bill and I were made very welcome in Austin. Any music lover going
to the US must visit this town, and any food loving music lover must
visit Threadgill's Restaurants whilst in that town. You'll be
well-served, well-fed and well-educated about Austin's vibrant music
scene. I was delighted to sing a duet with Colin Gilmore on his new
album
(a Terry Allen song).

* In Nashville John Lomax III once again took great care of me, and my
new best friend Mary Gauthier made me so welcome in her home. I've
been told that if you can survive a gig in Nashville then you can play
anywhere, so I'm proud to say I had a great gig at the Sherlock
Holme's bar in Nashville - an attentive, responsive, CD-buying
audience! Woo hoo! I've made it!

* The Fred Eaglesmith weekend 'Roots on the River' in Vermont was a
wonderful start to the tour. A big family of Fredheads. These
Fred-oriented weekends are occurring in more and more places all over
the world. There's bound to be one in Australia before too long.

I've discovered that a press release is not necessary when the news is
of enough interest. I'm happy to confirm the rumours... I married my
life-long friend Mez (Daniel Mezera) on the eve of the Fred
tour so we spent our honeymoon at the Gympie Muster. For
non-Australian readers, it's a big music festival in Queensland and is
quite a redneck affair with beer coolers on wheels and a leash, men
with signs around their necks looking for quick love, and a uniform of
cowboy hats and oilskins. Yes, when it comes to honeymoons it's at
the white-trash end of the spectrum! It's been suggested that I'm too
happy now to write a good country song. Sure enough I'm writing some
sappy happy love songs and some are bound to turn up on my next album.
But then... you never expected it to be like the previous albums, did
you?

From the first strains of the crying steel guitar it's
obvious that this is a special song. Audrey Auld and Camille Te Nahu
deliver a velvet version of the Hank Williams' classic 'I'm So Lonesome I
Could Cry' that is spellbinding and haunting.

You'll know Audrey from her acclaimed album 'The Fallen', but for Camille
Te Nahu 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' is her first recorded release in
Australia. Since relocating to Australia from NZ three years ago
Camille has toured with Kasey Chambers (Australia and USA) and currently
tours with Gina Jeffreys and Rick Price. With her rich soulful voice
and a solo album currently in pre-production (with Nash Chambers) Camille
Te Nahu is an artist to watch out for.

'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' is a taste of what to expect from Audrey
Auld's next album. A unique collection of duets with artists from
Australia, America and Canada - featuring great songs (covers and
originals) and great singers (famous and almost famous!).

This recording of 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' was produced by
Audrey Auld, recorded by Jeff McCormack and captures the magical talents
of Bill Chambers (Tompkins lap steel guitar), Rod McCormack (acoustic
guitar) and Jeff McCormack (bass).